Graham Platner Wins Maine Democratic Senate Primary, Will Face Susan Collins
10 verified6 unconfirmed1 contested
Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine combat veteran, won the Maine Democratic Senate primary on Tuesday, securing the nomination to take on incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in November. Platner defeated Governor Janet Mills, who suspended her campaign in April after Platner built a commanding lead driven by small-dollar donations and a viral social media presence. The 41-year-old populist outsider has aligned himself with the left faction of the Democratic Party and received an endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders. However, Platner’s candidacy has been shadowed by a series of personal scandals, including a past Nazi symbol tattoo, crude Reddit posts, and reports of extramarital sexting and unsettling behavior in past relationships. Democratic leaders have expressed concern that more damaging revelations could emerge, though Platner’s prominent supporters have stood by him. The general election race against Collins, who has represented Maine for nearly 30 years, is considered highly competitive and pivotal for Democratic hopes of retaking the Senate.
What’s verified
Graham Platner won the Maine Democratic Senate primary.
He will face Republican incumbent Senator Susan Collins in the November general election.
Platner is an oyster farmer and Marine Corps combat veteran.
He received a tattoo of a Nazi symbol (a Totenkopf) while serving in the military, which he later had covered.
Platner had a history of crude and politically incorrect Reddit posts.
He engaged in extramarital sexting with other women while married.
Reports described his behavior in past relationships as unsettling, including allegations of physical aggression.
Governor Janet Mills was the Democratic establishment’s preferred candidate and suspended her campaign in April.
Senator Bernie Sanders endorsed Platner.
Fears exist among Democrats that more damaging stories about Platner could emerge.
Where accounts differ
Regarding the Nazi symbol tattoo, Platner has stated he was unaware of its significance at the time and attributed the decision to youth and ignorance. However, a former girlfriend has stated that Platner used to frequently joke about the tattoo, contradicting his claim of ignorance.
Not yet confirmed
Exact primary vote percentages: Rolling Stone reported Platner received 74.7 percent and Mills 18.7 percent; other sources did not provide numbers.
Platner’s age: one source listed him as 41 years old.
Specific military service details: one source stated he completed three tours in Iraq and served in Afghanistan.
His educational background and family finances: one source reported he attended prep school and has wealthy parents.
Details of his personal finances: one source reported his income comes from a military disability pension of about $60,000 per year, a small stipend as a harbor master, and an oyster farm that sells primarily to his mother’s restaurant; the same source said he lives in a $205,000 house bought with a $200,000 loan from his father.
Whether any new scandals could force Platner to drop out of the race remains unclear.
Key figures
Graham Platner: Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine.
Susan Collins: Republican incumbent U.S. Senator from Maine.
Janet Mills: Governor of Maine, former Democratic candidate.
Bernie Sanders: U.S. Senator from Vermont, endorsed Platner.
Sources: Rolling Stone, vox.com, reason.com
