Platner targets Senate seat, fellow Democrats hold their noses ahead of Maine primary

Democratic primary front-runner Graham Platner faced unease from several party lawmakers as Maine's primary looms on Tuesday. Reports detailing past interactions, including sexual messages with women while he was married, plus partners describing his behavior as 'toxic,' have unsettled some Democrats. On Sunday, lawmakers appeared on morning shows to voice concerns, though none urged him to quit. Representative Tom Suozzi said concerns spanned issues and positions, not just the personal conduct.

Senator Mark Warner called the reports disturbing if true. Representative Ro Khanna urged acknowledging the misconduct and shifting focus to national issues. Platner's campaign has apologized for the messages, saying the coverage is politically motivated. If Platner wins Tuesday, he would face Republican Susan Collins in one of the year's most watched races.