Scrutiny on Maine Candidate Graham Platner as Primary Nears

As the Maine primary approaches, Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner faces increasing scrutiny. Republican senators criticize him, while Democratic senators remain largely silent. The reluctance among Senate Democrats to defend Platner is evident amid the latest controversies surrounding his candidacy.

Senator Ted Cruz from Texas openly denounced Platner, stating, “I think it is really sad when you have someone who’s a self-described communist, who put a Nazi tattoo on himself, to see so many Senate Democrats supporting him.” When asked by Fox News Digital about their support for Platner, several Democratic senators either avoided commenting or indicated that the decision is for Maine voters to make.

Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia responded when asked about his support, “Who told you I was supporting him?” He added, “I don’t vote in that state.” Meanwhile, Senator Mazie Hirono from Hawaii remarked, “The people of Maine are going to have to make up their minds.” Some Democrats, like Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, admitted not having focused much on the Maine race, saying, “I hadn’t paid any attention. We’ve been busy on other fronts.” Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois also confessed to having other priorities, stating, “I have a few other things on my mind.”

Platner’s campaign is clouded by a series of allegations. He admitted to sending sexts while married and faced criticism for mocking a wounded American soldier. Additionally, explosive claims from ex-girlfriends suggest a pattern of troubling behavior, including fantasies about rape and murder. The New York Times also reported awareness of his tattoo’s Nazi symbolism, contradicting past denials.

Republican senators express hope that Maine voters will reject Platner. Senator Bill Hagerty from Tennessee commented, “I think it’s going to be interesting to see if the voters of Maine are able to see through the lies that Graham Platner is planting.” Likewise, Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama criticized Platner’s candidacy, lamenting the lack of representation for true Democrats.

Despite these issues, Platner remains the leading candidate in the upcoming Democratic primary. Some Democrats, including Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schumer, continue to support him. The seat, currently held by Republican Senator Susan Collins, is seen as a crucial opportunity for Democrats in the midterms.

If Platner wins, he will compete against Collins in November’s election. Senator Hagerty remarked, “I can’t imagine that Mainers want to be represented by somebody like that,” emphasizing the work of Collins representing Maine. Senator Tuberville added, “This Platner guy can’t beat Susan Collins,” viewing him as an embarrassing candidate.

Hannah Brennan, a Digital Production Assistant with the Politics team, originally covered various significant events for the Aspen Daily News. She joined Fox News Digital after graduating early with high distinction from the University of Colorado Boulder in December 2025.