Democratic Chair Says Maine Senate Candidate’s Past Online Comments Were “Offensive” but Not Disqualifying

Old social media posts from Maine Democratic Senate candidate 👤Graham Platner—in which he appeared to endorse political violence, dismiss rape in the military, and criticize police officers and rural America—have resurfaced, drawing widespread criticism but not condemnation from national Democratic leaders.

According to The Associated Press, Platner, who is running to unseat longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins, faces a competitive Democratic primary field that includes Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who entered the race last week.

The controversial posts, made between 2013 and 2021 on Reddit, were first reported by CNN and have since been deleted. Despite the backlash, Democratic National Committee Chair 👤Ken Martin said Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union that he doesn’t believe the posts are “disqualifying.”

“I don’t think they’re disqualifying, but certainly they’re not right,” Martin said. “And I’m glad that he apologized for them. They’re indefensible, they’re hurtful, and they’re offensive.”

Platner posted a video apology Friday on social media, saying the comments were made after leaving the Army in 2012, during a time when he was struggling with PTSD and depression.

“I’m sorry for this. Just know that it’s not reflective at all of who I am,” Platner said. “I don’t want you to judge me on the dumbest thing I ever wrote on the internet. I would prefer if people could judge me on the person I am today.”

Since then, Platner has shared more of his past Reddit posts, noting that many included messages encouraging veterans to seek help and condemning misogyny and homophobia in the military.

Platner, an oyster farmer making his first run for public office, has positioned himself as a progressive candidate with the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has called him a stronger challenger to Collins than Mills.

The Collins campaign criticized Platner’s remarks, saying they “disparaged everyone from people living in rural areas, to the police, and the disabled,” and suggested they exposed a deeper divide within the Democratic Party.

Some Democrats, however, are standing by Platner.

“I think it’s about Graham’s authenticity and that’s what is going to come through,” said Karen Heck, former mayor of Waterville.

Still, the fallout has had consequences. Genevieve L. McDonald, Platner’s political director, resigned following the revelations.

“While I am empathetic to Graham’s experiences and respect his personal journey and growth, I cannot overlook the volume and nature of his past comments,” McDonald wrote. “These statements were not known to me when I agreed to join the campaign, and they are not words or values I can stand behind in a candidate for the United States Senate.”