WASHINGTON, D.C. — One of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races is now set. Progressive Democrat Graham Platner won Maine’s Democratic primary Tuesday, setting up a high-stakes November showdown with Senator Susan Collins, R-ME.
But Platner’s victory comes with a long list of controversies that are already shaping the general election.
“It is deeply humbling to stand here as your Democratic nominee. It is an honor, and I will not let you down,” Platner told supporters Tuesday evening after completing a remarkable political ascent.
The Marine veteran and oysterman rode a grassroots movement to victory. Early momentum and national progressive support helped clear the field by late April, which is when Maine’s Democratic Gov. Janet Mills suspended her Senate campaign, citing a lack of financial resources.
But as Platner’s profile grew, so did the scrutiny.
“I’ve made mistakes in my life, mistakes that I regret, that I live with, and that I continue to learn from,” said Platner. “To any of those who feel let down or disappointed or disillusioned, it is my job to earn your trust, faith and support.”
Platner came under fire early about a tattoo with Nazi symbolism, which was covered years later, once — Platner claims — he became aware of its meaning.
The 41-year-old has also been scrutinized over his reported use of the messaging app Kik, including allegations he sent sexually explicit messages to women while married.
“He’s really Maine’s problem. And then after today, it’ll become our party’s problem,” said Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., an outspoken critic of Platner. “He really should explain a lot of things to both the Maine voters and, of course, the donors all across America.”
Fetterman is calling on Platner to come clean about his reported activity on Kik under the username “P-Hustle.”
“P-Hustle won’t answer — why was he on that for 10 years? What did he really dig about that platform?” asked Fetterman. “This is a creeper on the kinds of platforms. He did this just last year, as a newlywed. He could release all those messages and we could figure out this thing.”
Platner has acknowledged past mistakes but argues his campaign is about people, accountability and second chances.
“Redemption is not just some simple or easy destination. It’s a journey,” Platner said.
Now the race shifts to November, as both parties prepare to pour millions of dollars into the race between Platner and Republican incumbent Susan Collins.
“This is absolutely a crucial race, both for the Republicans to hold on to in Maine, but also for the Democrats to get one of those pickups that they need,” said Dr. Todd Belt, professor and director of the Political Management Master’s Program at George Washington University. “I would really consider it a toss-up, and this really could be the fulcrum upon which the Senate depends.”
Belt says although Platner has his detractors and critics, most Democrats are likely to rally behind him after Tuesday.
“I think the Democrats will throw their weight behind him, though, because the potential gains are so much because they really, really want to get that Senate seat,” Belt said.
