Escobar Says Collins Reelection Concerns Her More Than Allegations Against Democratic Senate Candidate Platner

Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, said Sunday that Republican Maine Sen. Susan Collins concerns her at an even greater level than Graham Platner. Escobar spoke on CNN's State of the Union while discussing a New York Times report published last week that contained allegations of rape fantasies, heavy drinking, and violent episodes against Platner made by ex-girlfriends.

"Of course it concerns me," Escobar said. "But I will also say what concerns me even at an even greater level is Susan Collins getting reelected. She has given cover and comfort to the most corrupt, incompetent president we've ever had.

Escobar also referenced past controversies involving Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. "And if folks are concerned about Mr. Platner, wait until they hear about the Senate candidate in my state, Ken Paxton.

He is someone who I hope gets as much coverage as the Maine candidate is getting, because what we know in Texas about Ken Paxton is pretty horrifying, even people within his own party," she said. Graham Platner denied the New York Times report alleging abuse as simply not true.

Platner has a now-covered tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, made several controversial Reddit posts attacking soldiers, and sent several explicit messages to women while he was married.

Several Democrats have chosen to defend and stand by Platner ahead of Maine's primary election, where he is expected to become the presumptive nominee. California Rep. Ro Khanna defended Platner in an interview with Fox News Digital.

"[H]e really grew as a person when he came back to Maine, and he was an oyster farmer," Khanna said. "And he found peace, and he is ashamed of that period. To me, that suggests someone taking accountability and improving their lives, and we need that redemption in this country.