Embattled Platner Comes Out On Top

Graham Platner has endured one of the most difficult stretches of his U.S. Senate campaign, but on Tuesday he still secured the Democratic nomination in Maine.

Platner, a combat veteran and oyster farmer backed by progressive figures including Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, along with Rep. Ro Khanna of California, defeated two lesser-known opponents in the Democratic primary, according to the Associated Press.

Speaking to supporters at the Blue Hill YMCA after the race was called, Platner turned his attention quickly to Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

“Susan Collins said she would only serve two terms. She’s now running for her sixth,” Platner told the crowd. He cast his campaign as a challenge to political insiders in both parties, adding, “The truth is, Susan Collins doesn’t serve us. She serves Donald Trump. She serves the Epstein class.”

Platner will now face Collins, who ran unopposed for the Republican nomination, in a race that could help determine which party controls the Senate after the midterm elections. Maine is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country.

Platner has campaigned on an economically populist message, criticizing corporate influence and arguing that Washington has failed working-class voters. He also defeated Democratic Gov. Janet Mills in the primary, although Mills had suspended her campaign earlier this spring. Her name remained on the ballot after she dropped out following weak polling and fundraising numbers. Mills had been supported by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and the party’s Senate campaign arm.

“We’re going to win in November and we’re going to take power back for the people in this country,” Platner said at his final rally before the primary.

Still, his victory comes after weeks of controversy. Platner has faced scrutiny over old Reddit comments, a tattoo on his chest that resembled a Nazi symbol and has since been covered, reports that he exchanged sexually explicit messages with women while married, and allegations from former girlfriends involving violent behavior, heavy drinking, and rape fantasies. Platner has denied the latest allegations of violence.