Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Faces Multiple Controversies Ahead of Primary
6 verified7 unconfirmed
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, a military veteran and oyster farmer, is the presumptive nominee to challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Platner has faced a series of controversies, including reports of sexually explicit text messages, resurfaced Reddit posts, and a covered-up Nazi symbol tattoo from his time in the Marines. He apologized for the Reddit posts in October, but some comments have resurfaced in recent weeks. Maine Governor Janet Mills, who suspended her Senate campaign in April, remains on the ballot for the June 9 primary. Platner has led in polling despite the controversies. Several Democratic senators have defended Platner, arguing that voters are more focused on economic issues. Sen. Collins responded by saying every day brings a new revelation about Platner’s character.
What’s verified
Graham Platner is the presumptive Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, challenging Republican incumbent Susan Collins.
Platner is a military veteran who served in the Marines.
He has faced multiple controversies, including reports of sexually explicit text messages, offensive Reddit posts, and a covered-up Nazi symbol tattoo.
Platner delivered an apology for the Reddit posts in October 2025.
Maine Governor Janet Mills suspended her Senate campaign in April but remains on the ballot for the June 9 primary.
Platner has been leading in primary and general election polls.
Not yet confirmed
Only one source detailed that Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, released a video defending him and saying she was “really angry” about the text messages.
Only one source reported that Platner made a Reddit post mocking a Purple Heart veteran, saying “Dumb motherfucker didn’t deserve to live.”
Only one source reported that Platner was unapologetic when confronted by a Fox News reporter about that post.
Only one source mentioned that Republicans are pushing a narrative that Platner’s working-class image is phony due to private schooling and parental financial support.
Only one source referenced a Reddit post by Platner about masturbating in portable toilets.
Only one source reported that Rep. Jake Auchincloss called Platner’s tattoo “personally disqualifying.”
The exact polling margin of Platner over Collins is only reported in one source as seven points.
Key figures
Graham Platner, Susan Collins, Amy Gertner, Bernie Sanders, Janet Mills, Ruben Gallego, Martin Heinrich, Elizabeth Warren, Ro Khanna, Jake Auchincloss
Sources: NBC News, washingtonmonthly.com
