Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona with potential presidential ambitions for 2028, now finds his judgment under scrutiny. This follows his decisions to withdraw support from two Democratic candidates facing allegations of misconduct involving women.
Gallego recently retracted his endorsement of Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner after a rape allegation emerged. Just a few months earlier, he had withdrawn support from Eric Swalwell’s troubled California gubernatorial campaign amidst separate accusations of sexual assault and misconduct. Both Platner and Swalwell deny the allegations.
In a social media statement, Gallego referred to the allegations against Platner as “troubling and deeply serious.” Lyndsey Fifield, Platner’s former girlfriend who accused him of abusive behavior, criticized Gallego for not acting sooner. During her relationship with Platner, she detailed incidents of physical intimidation in a New York Times report, leaving her feeling frightened. Platner disputed these allegations.
“Mine weren’t sufficiently troubling or serious for you, right?” Fifield questioned Gallego’s delayed response to her accusations.
Despite these reports, Platner gained support from notable Democratic figures. “Pod Save America” co-host Jon Lovett acknowledged reports of Platner’s intimidating behavior but stressed the importance of a Democratic majority. Fellow co-host Jon Favreau once praised Platner as a decent man who aimed to improve.
An Arizona senator’s spokesperson stated that Gallego acted on his principles in opposing those who violated his values. However, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman criticized those who initially supported Platner and called for apologies.
Platner faced fresh allegations from Jenny Racicot, a Democrat from Maine, who accused him of entering her home uninvited and assaulting her in 2021. Politico corroborated parts of her account, but Platner called the allegations false.
Following these revelations, several democrats, including Gallego, rescinded their support for Platner, urging him to withdraw from the race. Republican critics, like state Senator Warren Peterson, highlighted Gallego’s perceived pattern of questionable endorsements.
Jonathan Turley, a Fox News contributor and law professor, suggested that changing opinions on Platner primarily reflected polling influences. Conservative commentator Ryan Girdusky criticized Gallego’s personal history, drawing attention to his 2016 divorce during his wife’s pregnancy.
Gallego has also faced criticism regarding his campaign spending, with accusations of using funds for personal expenses and family trips, including attending the 2023 Super Bowl. He defended these expenses as legitimate campaign-related costs.
The discussions surrounding Gallego’s endorsements and personal decisions continue, raising questions about his political future.