U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) publicly denounced Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, calling him a “creep” during a television appearance Wednesday [1].
The condemnation marks a significant rift within the party's ranks as Platner faces allegations of sexual misconduct that could jeopardize his campaign.
Speaking during a 10-minute interview on the Fox News program “Hannity” on June 3, 2026, Fetterman said he would never defend Platner [2, 3]. The senator's comments followed reports that Platner sent sexual texts and may have used the Kik dating app to communicate with minors [1, 3].
Fetterman challenged the candidate to be transparent about his digital history. “I'll wear a suit every day if Platner releases his texts,” Fetterman said [3].
While some reports focus on extramarital sexting, other accounts suggest the interaction on the Kik app may have involved minors [1, 3]. Some reports also suggest Fetterman referred to Platner as a “Nazi sympathizer,” though other accounts of the interview focused primarily on the allegations of sexual misconduct [2].
Fetterman's comments indicate a refusal to offer political cover for the Maine candidate as the scandal develops. The senator reiterated his disdain for Platner's alleged behavior, saying, “He's a creep” [1].
““He's a creep.””
The public denunciation of a fellow party member by a sitting senator suggests that the allegations against Platner are severe enough to outweigh standard political solidarity. If the claims regarding interactions with minors are verified, it could create a critical vacancy or a weakened candidacy for Democrats in the Maine Senate race, potentially shifting the electoral map.
