Graham Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer and Marine veteran, is appearing before Democratic voters in Maine under renewed examination of past conduct as he competes in a Senate primary that could have outsized national consequences. Questions about online posts, a tattoo critics say resembled Nazi imagery and allegations that he sent sexually explicit texts have shadowed his campaign as he seeks the Democratic nomination to take on incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Platner, who has presented himself as a populist outsider and is widely regarded as the likely winner of the Democratic primary, is a newcomer to electoral politics. His emergence as the party's leading candidate has raised persistent questions about incidents from his past that may matter to voters in November if he wins the nomination.
Reporting has said Platner was accused of sending sexually explicit texts to multiple women last year, and several former girlfriends described episodes they found unsettling. Platner has apologized for the conduct cited in those reports, attributing some of his behavior to struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression after combat service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has also stated that he did not realize a tattoo he had resembled a Nazi insignia and had it covered up last year.
The Senate contest in Maine is widely viewed as one of the more competitive races leading into the November midterm elections, when control of both chambers of Congress is in play. Democrats need to flip four seats in the 100-seat Senate to secure a majority. Against that backdrop, questions about a nominee's past can take on heightened significance.
While some within the Democratic Party have described the revelations about Platner as disturbing, high-profile progressive figures have continued to back him. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, among others on the left, has remained supportive, and no leading party official has publicly demanded that Platner withdraw from the race.
Platner spoke at an hour-long town hall in Portland, Maine, on Sunday. He did not bring up the controversies during the event, and those in attendance did not ask him about them, according to accounts of the meeting.
For some Maine voters, Platner's background raises concerns about his viability against Collins, 73, a political moderate who has won comfortable races dating back to 1996 even as the state has trended more Democratic in recent years. "She doesn’t always vote the way I like, but I call her the lesser of two evils. I hate to say it, but the other side is... there’s a lot of negative things coming out that I wouldn’t want in a dog catcher in my town," said Barbara Fenlason, 76, a piano teacher from Verona Island, Maine.
Democrats retain options if the party decides to move on from Platner after the primary. State law allows the party to replace a primary winner who withdraws before July 13. Platner's nearest rival, Governor Janet Mills, ended her active campaign in April but remains on the primary ballot.
Separately, Maine Democrats will also select a candidate for a House seat that covers the state's forested interior, a district noted for its Republican lean. With centrist Democrat Jared Golden retiring, the party's primary field includes state Senator Joe Baldacci, who is generally seen as the most moderate contender, and a group of progressive candidates: Matt Dunlap, the state auditor; Jordan Wood, a former congressional aide; and Paige Loud, a social worker. On the Republican side, the combative former governor Paul LePage is widely expected to secure the nomination.
Winners in these Maine contests may not be known immediately. The state uses a ranked-choice voting system, and the tabulation process can extend the time it takes to produce final results.
Voters in other states are also heading to the polls on Tuesday. Contests in Nevada, North Dakota and South Carolina will be decided the same day. In South Carolina, a crowded Republican primary for governor features Representative Nancy Mace and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, the latter of whom has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
In Nevada, the Republican primary to challenge Democratic Representative Susie Lee in a competitive Las Vegas-area district has attracted a Trump-endorsed candidate, video game composer Marty O'Donnell, who is widely viewed as the leading contender. Other Republican hopefuls in that race include Jeff Gunter, a former ambassador to Iceland, and neurosurgeon Aury Nagy. Representative Lee faces a primary challenge from cardiologist James Lally, who has criticized her stance on Israel.
Key takeaways
- Graham Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer, is under scrutiny for past online posts, a tattoo described as Nazi-linked by critics, and allegations of sending sexually explicit texts to multiple women.
- The Maine Senate primary could determine the Democratic nominee to face Senator Susan Collins, 73, in a competitive race that is watched for its potential impact on control of the U.S. Senate.
- State and national party calculations remain fluid - party leaders have not forced a withdrawal, and Maine law allows for a replacement if a nominee steps down before July 13; ranked-choice voting may delay final results.
Risks and uncertainties
- Ongoing scrutiny of Platner's past behavior could further complicate the general election matchup against Collins, potentially affecting voter perceptions and fundraising for the campaign.
- If additional controversies emerge, Democratic leaders may face pressure to consider replacing a nominee before the July 13 deadline, creating organizational and strategic uncertainty for the party in Maine.
- The use of ranked-choice voting in Maine means the ultimate winners of the primary contests might not be immediately known, prolonging uncertainty for campaigns, donors and political strategists.