Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona, is under scrutiny after withdrawing support for two Democratic candidates accused of misconduct involving women. This raises questions about his judgment, especially as he contemplates a potential run for the presidency in 2028.
Gallego withdrew his endorsement of Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner following a rape allegation. This comes shortly after he retracted support for Eric Swalwell’s troubled bid for California governor amid different sexual assault allegations. Both Platner and Swalwell have denied these accusations.
In a social media post on X, Gallego described the allegations against Platner as “troubling and deeply serious.” However, Lyndsey Fifield, Platner’s former girlfriend, criticized Gallego for not acting sooner, citing her own allegations about Platner’s abusive behavior. She shared that the New York Times had earlier published her account of being mistreated in their past relationship. Platner denied these claims.
“Mine weren’t sufficiently troubling or serious for you, right?” Fifield asked in response to Gallego’s post.
Despite these controversies, Platner enjoyed backing from notable Democrats. “Pod Save America” co-host Jon Lovett argued that Democrats needed to decide between accepting Platner in the Senate or risking a Republican majority under incumbent Sen. Susan Collins. His fellow host, Jon Favreau, once described Platner as a “good, decent man.”
Gallego’s decision to withdraw support drew mixed reactions. A spokesperson for Gallego said, “Senator Gallego did the right thing and broke with those individuals when he learned they had betrayed values he proudly fights for.” However, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania criticized Democrats who previously defended Platner.
A recent Politico report amplified the stakes. Jenny Racicot, a Maine Democrat, accused Platner of assault in incidents occurring from 2019 to 2021. She claimed that Platner entered her home uninvited and coerced her into non-consensual sex. Platner dismissed these accusations as false. Despite the severity of these claims, some Democrats initially overlooked warnings about Platner.
Gallego joined other Democrats in calling on Platner to leave the race. If Platner withdraws, Democrats in Maine face a legal deadline to replace him on the ballot.
This situation adds to Gallego’s challenges. Conservative voices highlighted Gallego’s past personal affairs, including his 2016 divorce. Criticism extends to his campaign spending, with reports indicating funds were used for family travel and personal expenses, though Gallego defended them as legitimate fundraising efforts.
Political observers, like Republican Senator Warren Peterson, claim Gallego’s endorsements lack due diligence. “There is a bizarre pattern,” noted Jonathan Turley, a media contributor and law professor, implying Gallego routinely supports controversial figures.