Story perspectives

Platner Remains Candidate as NYT Cites Girlfriend Abuse Claims

6/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

The New York Times published a story on Senate candidate Graham Platner that centers on girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield’s claims, excluding women’s allegations.
Fifield alleges Platner intimidated her from 2013-2015, a claim the Times supports by citing other women describing grabs and being locked in a room.
Platner acknowledges past PTSD and alcohol misuse, calls the abuse allegations motivated, stays in the race, and faces Republican criticism before the June 9 primary.

History

Historical Context

In 1997 Republican congressman Bob Barr introduced a resolution that began the impeachment push against President Bill Clinton, later amplified by the Starr Report released in September 1998. The scandal influenced the 1998 midterms, where Democrats gained five House seats but Republicans kept control, and it set a precedent of intense media and voter scrutiny that now frames Senate candidate Graham Platner’s abuse allegations.

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Story summary

The New York Times published a story on Senate candidate Graham Platner that centers on girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield’s claims, excluding women’s allegations.
Fifield alleges Platner intimidated her from 2013-2015, a claim the Times supports by citing other women describing grabs and being locked in a room.
Platner acknowledges past PTSD and alcohol misuse, calls the abuse allegations motivated, stays in the race, and faces Republican criticism before the June 9 primary.

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