Democratic Senator Stays Silent on Maine Candidate Allegations

A Democratic senator who previously called for the resignation of a colleague over misconduct allegations has not issued a statement on similar claims against a Maine Senate candidate. The candidate, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge an incumbent Republican senator, faces accusations from former partners that include claims of physical contact and derogatory statements about women.

The candidate's wife told a campaign aide last August that her husband had exchanged explicit messages with at least six women outside the marriage, according to the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. The candidate also maintained an account on a private messaging app showing a shirtless profile photo.

An ex-girlfriend told the New York Times that the candidate referred to a chest tattoo as a Nazi symbol more than a decade ago, despite earlier denials of knowing its meaning.

The senator previously stated during a 2017 press conference that another officeholder should not continue serving after misconduct allegations emerged. The senator also sat beside an actress at a 2018 Senate hearing in support of an accuser during a Supreme Court confirmation process. The candidate was facing a primary challenge from the state's governor, who suspended her campaign on April 30.

Schumer has maintained an endorsement of the candidate. Representatives for the senator and the campaign committee did not immediately respond to requests for comment.