Supporters cheer for Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, at a campaign event Friday, June 5, 2026, in Bar Harbor, Maine. Robert F. Bukaty/AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty
Sen. Mark Warner stated on Sunday that the accusations leveled against Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine, are "troubling" if factual, and it will be up to the electorate to evaluate them.
"I do believe that ultimately, American voters will make those determinations, and I have no acquaintance with Mr. Platner. We have never met," Warner, D-Va., informed Martha Raddatz, co-anchor of ABC News’ "This Week." "I would simply say this: The assertions have been made. I think one should make at least some effort to … refute them, if that is indeed the situation."
Last week, The New York Times published a report detailing interviews with several of Platner’s former partners, one of whom characterized his conduct at times as "disquieting" and "irresponsible." Some of the women quoted in the article claimed Platner could be condescending towards women, and one alleged he was physically aggressive with her. Conversely, others depicted him more favorably, with one referring to him as a "gentle giant."
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., appears on ABC News’ “This Week” on June 7, 2026.ABC News
Platner has stated that he dealt with PTSD and resorted to alcohol for self-medication. He admitted to having been a "poor boyfriend" but denied any physical aggression toward previous partners.
Platner is aiming to challenge Sen. Susan Collins in November, a long-standing Republican incumbent who has consistently exceeded expectations in her prior electoral contests. To secure a Senate majority, defeating Collins is considered crucial for Democrats, some of whom are concerned that Platner’s controversies might jeopardize their chances in the election.
While Warner expressed a desire for both political parties to uphold higher standards, he noted that President Donald Trump faced numerous controversies during his 2016 presidential campaign yet still achieved election.
"This entire landscape shifted profoundly when Donald Trump ran for the first time and was recorded making exceptionally disheartening remarks," Warner remarked. "That did not appear to hinder Trump’s election."
Platner’s candidacy as an outsider emerges as Democrats deliberate their messaging strategy for voters leading up to this year’s midterm elections and the presidential contest in 2028.
Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks at a campaign event Friday, June 5, 2026, in Bar Harbor, Maine.Robert F. Bukaty/AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty
Warner indicated that campaigning against Trump and his policies is appropriate for the midterms, but he hopes Democrats will adopt a "pro-growth" and "pro-innovation" message moving forward.
"One of the domains I am dedicating significant attention to, artificial intelligence, is poised to revolutionize our world in ways we cannot yet fathom," Warner stated. "There are also considerable underlying national security concerns, personal risks, and potential job impacts that we must address. I would welcome Democrats taking the lead on this issue."
Below are further key points from Warner’s conversation:
Regarding Bill Pulte’s designation as acting director of national intelligence
Raddatz: Let us discuss Bill Pulte. You raised this matter. The current head of the Federal Housing Agency, he has been — President Trump has now appointed him as acting director of the DNI. You have expressed strong criticism, as have Republicans.
Warner: This situation is beyond unacceptable. This individual lacks any national security background. You may recall that when the legislation was established, the director of national intelligence, responsible for overseeing 18 agencies, was intended to possess national security expertise. This person has none. In fact, I do not believe he holds a security clearance.
What he has demonstrated is complete subservience to Donald Trump’s directives, compromising confidential mortgage information. Consequently, he is being considered for a promotion to oversee the 18 intelligence agencies and access our most sensitive classified data. Given President Trump’s attempts to interfere with elections, my concern is that this individual would fully cooperate with such efforts.
And it is not just my viewpoint. Observe the opposition from Republicans as well.
Concerning the delayed vote on extending foreign surveillance authority
Raddatz: FISA, a vital governmental authority for foreign surveillance, is scheduled to expire next Friday. Last Friday, nearly all Democrats voted against initiating debate to extend it, following the president’s announcement regarding Pulte. Therefore —
Warner: And several Republicans also voted against it.
Raddatz: Yes. So, if he does not alter his stance, will Democrats — will you reject the extension?
Warner: I did not — I understand the significance of this instrument. I am uncertain why the president would introduce this volatile issue concerning Bill Pulte just 10 days before its expiration. I do not believe Donald Trump desires this to lapse. We were on track, having collaborated effectively with [Republican Sen.] Tom Cotton, my chairman, to present a compromise bill.
The notion that Democrats, and I believe responsible Republicans, would consent to transfer a program as contentious as Section 702 to an individual lacking national security experience presents a formidable challenge.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com