Sanders Defends Support for Former Senate Nominee Amid Controversy

Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., expressed no regret for his early backing of Graham Platner, a former Democratic Senate nominee from Maine, in an interview on ‘Face the Nation.’ Sanders emphasized that he advised Platner to withdraw after allegations of sexual assault emerged from a former girlfriend.

When host Margaret Brennan questioned Sanders about not acting sooner on the early warning signs, possibly giving the replacement candidate more campaign time, Sanders said, “No, I don’t think so. When we heard the serious allegations made against him, I wanted to get on the phone. I wanted to talk to him. I did. I asked, along with virtually all his supporters, that he should get out of the race, and he did.”

Sanders was pressed on his confidence in the vetting process of the other candidates he endorsed. He remarked on the challenge of thoroughly examining “hundreds of candidates,” adding that those he supports stand for the working class. Sanders’ continued support for Platner persisted through controversies related to offensive social media posts, a tattoo linked to Nazi imagery, allegations of abusive behavior, and explicit messages exchanged with women.

Platner denied major wrongdoing while apologizing for certain posts and opinions. After Sanders and others suggested Platner step aside due to the sexual assault allegation, Platner withdrew. In June, Sanders dismissed reconsidering his endorsement after the messages’ report.

“Certainly not,” Sanders responded when asked if he was re-evaluating his support following the allegations.

After Platner’s withdrawal, Maine Democrats nominated Troy Jackson as the new Senate candidate. The selection occurred with a 566-5 delegate vote, leaving Jackson around 100 days to contest against Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who is pursuing a sixth term. Concerns arose regarding Jackson’s rapid vetting, focusing on his past views on abortion, temper, conduct, and mortgage history. A Democratic strategist mentioned the speed of Jackson’s vetting process, indicating potential issues with the procedure.

This turmoil reflects a broader Democratic debate between progressives and establishment-backed candidates. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel warned in the Wall Street Journal that “Bernie Bros” could harm Democratic prospects by supporting candidates with unpopular stances.

Sanders responded to Emanuel’s criticism, highlighting a division within the Democratic Party. “There is a strong division within the Democratic Party. You have an establishment like Rahm Emanuel, who are dependent on billionaire campaign contributors and want to maintain the status quo,” Sanders mentioned. “Then you have a progressive movement, which, by the way, what is getting these guys nervous is we are winning all over this country.”

CJ Womack, an associate editor at Fox News, covered the piece. Womack has a political science background and joined Fox News Digital in 2026. Tips and updates can be sent to [email protected].