By Gloria Ogbonna
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) acknowledged Sunday that he regrets endorsing former Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, admitting that his support for the Democrat was a mistake following a series of controversies that ultimately led Platner to withdraw from the race.
Khanna made the remarks during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, where host Kristen Welker questioned him about his decision to back Platner despite several earlier incidents that had already drawn widespread criticism.
Welker noted that Platner exited the Senate race after facing mounting scrutiny over multiple allegations and controversies. Among them were reports about a tattoo that critics said resembled a Nazi symbol, online posts in which he blamed survivors of sexual assault, and later allegations published by The New York Times. In that report, several former girlfriends accused Platner of emotional abuse and aggressive behavior. Platner has denied those allegations.
Welker asked Khanna why the earlier controversies had not been enough to cause him to withdraw his endorsement before the more serious allegations surfaced.
In response, Khanna said he had drawn a personal line when it came to allegations involving sexual assault or sexual violence and acted immediately once those accusations became public.
“For me, the line always was sexual assault or sexual violence,” Khanna said. “And as soon as that came out, I was the first person to withdraw my endorsement.”
The California congressman, however, acknowledged that he should have recognized warning signs sooner and said the experience had prompted personal reflection.
“But I will say I got that call wrong,” Khanna continued. “If there’s some self-reflection, it is that we all need to see the signs earlier of people who may engage in domestic violence.”
Khanna also pointed out that he was not the only prominent Democrat who initially supported Platner’s campaign. He noted that several Democratic leaders and organizations had also endorsed the candidate before the allegations emerged.
“Look, I wasn’t the only one,” Khanna said, adding that organizations such as Planned Parenthood and other prominent Democrats, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, had also backed Platner. “But I did get that call wrong.”
Welker then asked the congressman directly whether he regretted endorsing Platner.
Khanna answered without hesitation.
“Yes,” he said. “I got that wrong. I endorse a lot of people. But when I make a mistake, I take accountability.”
Khanna’s comments represent one of his clearest acknowledgments that his endorsement was an error. His remarks come as Democratic leaders continue to face questions about their vetting process for political candidates and how parties should respond when allegations of misconduct emerge during election campaigns.
The controversy surrounding Platner has sparked broader discussions about candidate screening, accountability, and the standards political parties should apply when evaluating those seeking public office. Khanna’s public admission of regret adds to that conversation, as he emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs earlier and taking responsibility when judgment falls short.
Platner’s withdrawal from the Maine Senate race marked the end of a campaign that had once received support from several high-profile Democrats before a series of allegations and controversies ultimately overshadowed his candidacy.
Source Breitbart
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