All Graham Platner had to do was glide into Tuesday’s Democratic Senate primary. Governor Janet Mills had suspended her campaign in late April. The path was clear, and the nomination was his. But then the controversies began, and they have not stopped.
Democrats are now navigating a new wave of allegations against Platner, a military veteran and left-leaning populist who is critical to the party’s drive to win the Senate. With each passing day, divisions inside the party have grown as some lawmakers and activists say they are increasingly alarmed over the breadth and depth of the scandals facing the candidate.
The question hanging over Maine Democrats is simple: Can they still win the Senate with Platner — or is he too risky to face longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins, the party’s “great white whale”?
The Latest Allegations
In a lengthy report published Thursday, The New York Times interviewed three of Platner’s former girlfriends, who described his behavior as “toxic” and “unsettling” at times. One woman, Lyndsey Fifield, recounted an argument when they dated from roughly 2013 to 2015 during which Platner “twisted her arm behind her back, shoved her into a bedroom and held the door closed from the other side so she couldn’t get out, telling her to remain there until she was ‘calm.'” Fifield also claimed that Platner knew the meaning behind a Nazi tattoo he has since covered.
Platner responded to the article in a statement denying some of the allegations. “Throughout this campaign, I’ve been open about what was a very dark period of my life where I struggled with undiagnosed PTSD, too often self-medicated with alcohol, and was a far from perfect boyfriend,” he said. “I take responsibility for all of that, and wish I had been better. Any characterization beyond that is false, and I believe, politically motivated.”
A Platner campaign official pushed back against Fifield’s allegations, noting that she is a Republican operative who has worked for the Heritage Foundation and Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign. “Let’s be very clear: This is a lifelong GOP operative who’s dedicated her career to electing Republicans,” the official said.
The Pattern of Controversies
The Times report is just the latest in a series of scandals that have followed Platner since last year. Last fall, his campaign’s political director, finance director, and campaign manager all resigned following revelations that Platner’s prolific Reddit posts included a slew of controversial comments. They included downplaying sexual assault, criticizing police and rural Americans, and writing that he “became a communist.”
Platner apologized for the comments about sexual assault and dismissed others as “stupid joke comments.” He has attributed his posts to his struggles with post-traumatic stress and depression stemming from his service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Earlier this week, news broke that Platner had exchanged explicit text messages with women early in his marriage. He and his wife wed in November 2023.
The Democratic Dilemma
Democrats are now deeply divided over how to handle Platner. Some wish he would step aside. Others are digging in their heels, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated.
“Throughout this campaign, I’ve been open about what was a very dark period of my life,” Platner said in his statement. “I’m not proud of who I was then, but I am proud of the work I’ve done since, and the movement we are building in Maine.”
He has insisted he has not considered dropping out of the race. “No, not once,” Platner said.
Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat who was set to appear with Platner at a rally on Friday, issued a statement saying: “The behavior described in the New York Times story was wrong and toxic. Graham has acknowledged that and sought redemption. The people of Maine deserve a senator who is going to stand up to the billionaire class, against genocide, and for the working class.”
But other Democrats are not so sure. “There have been a lot of red flags in this race, and they continue to proliferate,” said Matt Bennett of the Democratic think tank Third Way, who had backed Mills. “We have long been concerned that it could cost us the seat, and we don’t feel any better about it today.”
Carol Eisenberg, a Maine lawyer and Mills supporter, said she feared the latest reports about Platner could “harm Democratic prospects” against Collins. She hoped “that he exits the race and the Dems can draft a better candidate.”
The Republican Factor
Susan Collins has held her Senate seat for decades, surviving challenge after challenge. Democrats see her as vulnerable this year. But nominating a candidate with a growing list of scandals could hand Collins an easy victory.
Some Democrats argue that President Trump’s history of scandals gives them breathing room. If Trump could rise to the highest office despite multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, they reason, Platner can survive this.
Others say that logic is flawed. “We like charm, we like authenticity, we like people who can break the mold, but mostly we like candidates that can win,” a senior Democratic operative told NBC News. “The calculus here is that this is a must-win seat, and the safer-bet candidate is the best bet when the Senate is on the line.”
What Happens Next
The Maine primary is Tuesday. Platner is still on the ballot. Mills remains on the ballot as well, even though she has suspended her campaign. If Platner wins, Democrats will have to decide whether to rally behind him or try to replace him — a difficult process that would require him to withdraw voluntarily.
Platner has shown no indication that he will. He still intends to hold a rally on Friday in Bar Harbor. Representative Khanna still plans to appear with him.
For Democrats, the dread is palpable. “The dread part is coming from people who are looking at a more practical look at: How do we win in November?” one longtime Maine Democrat said. “I think most voters say: I knew he wasn’t perfect, but can he win?”
The Bottom Line
Maine Democrats are deeply divided over Senate candidate Graham Platner as new allegations of abusive behavior emerge from a New York Times report. Platner has denied some of the allegations, attributing his past behavior to undiagnosed PTSD and alcohol abuse. He has insisted he will not drop out of the race. The Democratic primary is Tuesday. The question is not whether Platner can win the nomination — it is whether he can beat Susan Collins in November. And more and more Democrats are starting to doubt it.
