Graham Platner, a Marine veteran, oyster farmer, and progressive activist, has secured the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in Maine. Platner won 72% of the vote, defeating Governor Janet Mills, who suspended her campaign in April but remained on the ballot.
Scrutiny and Scandals
During the campaign, Platner faced scrutiny over old incendiary Reddit posts, a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, sexually explicit messages sent to other women early in his marriage, and accusations from a former girlfriend—denied by Platner—that he was physically intimidating.
General Election Challenge
Platner will face Senator Susan Collins, a Republican seeking a sixth six-year term, in November. The race is considered a must-win for Democrats aiming to take control of the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority.
Despite the controversies, Democrats have rallied around Platner, while President Trump reaffirmed his grip on the GOP after recent primaries.
