Maine Democrats Are Abandoning Support for Graham Platner Amid Growing Uncertainty
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The oysterman continues to have a substantial foundation of support, however, the scandals that have surrounded him have resulted in a negative perception among certain Democratic and independent voters, leaving a lasting impression.
Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate running for the Senate, is seen speaking outside a campaign event that took place on June 7, 2026, in Portland, Maine, as captured by Robert F. Bukaty/AP Photo.
Located in Portland, Maine, a significant development has unfolded, where Darcy Halvorsen, a 59-year-old individual, had previously submitted her early ballot in support of Graham Platner for the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, only to later come across news reports regarding the oysterman's involvement in sending sexual text messages while being married to a woman who was not his wife.
As a result of this new information, Halvorsen, who had initially been skeptical of Platner but later became a supporter, has now reverted back to her initial stance as a skeptic of the candidate.
As she attended one of his town hall meetings, which was held at the Elks Lodge in Portland on Sunday, and marked at least her eighth Platner event since the previous fall, she was experiencing regret over her vote.
She expressed her feelings of disappointment and disillusionment, stating, “I’m feeling very let down, disappointed,” and further elaborated on the reasons behind her emotions, saying, “Because I don’t think it was handled well, and I also don’t think he took responsibility for it,” which clearly indicated her dissatisfaction with the situation.
The ongoing series of scandals surrounding Platner has created a significant divide, not only among the leaders of the Democratic Party but also among its voters, as they are facing the critical must-win Senate race ahead, and the importance of this election cannot be overstated.
The Democratic Party's goal of defeating Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the November election is absolutely crucial to their overall strategy of regaining control of the upper chamber, which in turn would provide a much-needed check on the actions and policies of President Donald Trump.
However, even as Platner's loyal supporters continue to stand by him, the significant amount of political baggage he carries is posing a substantial threat to his chances with certain Democratic and independent voters as the general election approaches, as revealed through conversations with nearly two dozen voters from Maine.
A number of Democratic voters expressed reluctance to share their thoughts on the Senate race, stating that they believed Platner's nomination was essentially a foregone conclusion at this point, and therefore, they were hesitant to express their opinion about him, fearing that it would likely be met with a strong negative reaction. Other voters, who had initially planned to cast their ballots for the Democratic candidate in the November election, are now considering the possibility of either supporting Collins or abstaining from participating in the Senate race altogether, which presents a notable challenge for the likely nominee and his political party.
Peter and Kelly Dufour were operating the grill at a Get-Out-the-Vote event for gubernatorial candidate Hannah Pingree, which was being held in Portland on Saturday, and they were expressing their enthusiasm for the former Democratic state House speaker's candidacy for the position of governor. When questioned about the Senate race, Kelly responded by placing her head in her hands, indicating her apparent frustration or disappointment with the current situation.
The couple was seeking to acquire more information about David Costello, who had previously been the Democratic Senate nominee in 2024 and was once again running in the primary this year, making him one of the candidates on the ballot, alongside Platner and Gov. Janet Mills, who had suspended her campaign back in April.
Peter stated that he felt "disappointed" by Collins' voting record over the past few years, specifically mentioning her decisions to confirm certain judges, but at the same time, he was feeling "torn" about the idea of giving up her prominent seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee in favor of Platner, which presented a difficult dilemma for him.
He expressed his desire to have a senator who possesses good moral character, and he described his current stance on the race as being precisely divided, or 50-50.
Kelly expressed uncertainty regarding whether her own views on the race had shifted to a 50-50 stance in light of the most recent developments surrounding Platner.
Regarding Platner, Kelly stated that it appears as though there is a continuous string of issues, with one problem emerging after another.
Platner, along with his supporters, has explained that his past misconduct can be attributed to the challenges he faced due to post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as his struggles with alcohol use, both of which were exacerbated by his departure from the military.
He has publicly stated that upon relocating back to Maine, he was able to find a sense of community, and he has asked voters to assess him based on the person he is today, rather than his past actions.
However, some voters in Maine remain unconvinced by Platner's narrative of personal redemption and continue to harbor doubts about his character.
Kathy Bonk, a resident of Brooksville and the president of the Maine chapter of the National Organization of Women, intends to cast her vote for Mills in the primary election taking place on Tuesday, although she anticipates that Platner will ultimately emerge victorious.
According to Bonk, there has been extensive press coverage surrounding the notion that Maine voters should be allowed to make their own decision, and she explained that while the Maine Democratic voters will indeed decide the outcome of the primary, the same question will subsequently be posed to all Maine voters during the general election. She further stated, “I believe that a significant number of individuals, in light of the various revelations that have surfaced regarding Platner, will find it difficult to muster the support necessary to vote for him.”
Certain Democrats are holding out hope that if Platner performs poorly in the primary election on Tuesday, this might serve as an incentive for him to withdraw from the race, thereby allowing the state Democratic party to select an alternative candidate to replace him.
However, the notion appeared to be quite absurd to the majority of voters in Maine, considering not only Platner's history of withstanding scandals, but also his substantial base of supporters, many of whom perceive his controversies as external attacks on his movement that have ultimately strengthened their dedication to him.
The sentiment that Mainers are reluctant to see one of their own being undermined was expressed by Constantine Dixon, a 36-year-old individual from Portland, who was in attendance at the Sunday town hall meeting for Platner, where he stated, "Mainers don't want to see one of their own cut down at the knees."
Platner has managed to inspire a significant number of Maine voters in a manner that few other candidates have achieved in the state's recent political history, attracting enormous crowds, akin to those rarely seen in the state, and transforming from a relatively unknown oysterman to consistently surpassing the incumbent governor in primary polls, a feat that highlights his remarkable rise in popularity.
Many of Graham Platner's supporters dismiss his recent controversies as being of lesser significance compared to the key issues that are central to his campaign, which include implementing universal health care, eliminating the influence of money in politics, and striving to make the state more affordable for working-class individuals.
Graham Platner has continued to receive backing from prominent lawmakers, such as Sens. Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, and Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, who have chosen to endorse him despite the controversies surrounding his campaign. Additionally, Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, demonstrated his support for Platner by participating in a rally with him in Bar Harbor on Friday, while Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii, publicly declared his support for the first time by hosting a virtual fundraising event for Platner on Sunday.
In a statement released to the public, Ben Chin, who serves as the campaign manager for Platner, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the loyalty and dedication of the campaign's supporters, stating, “Since the inception of this campaign, we have been and continue to be profoundly humbled by the unwavering support and loyalty exhibited by this movement.” Chin further emphasized that the people of Maine are familiar with Graham Platner, have a clear understanding of the principles he represents, and firmly believe in the core objectives that this campaign is striving to achieve.
The primary focus of our efforts has always been, and will continue to be, lifting people up and fighting for the rights and interests of working Mainers, as this has been and always will be our top priority.
In the days that followed the release of reports detailing the extramarital sexting scandal, the New York Times published a series of accounts from several of Platner's ex-girlfriends, who shared their recollections of disturbing patterns of behavior that they had experienced during their relationships with him. One of the women came forward with allegations that Platner had physically grabbed her in ways that resulted in visible marks on her body, and on one occasion, he allegedly locked her in a room, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
Platner's campaign team acknowledged that he had indeed sent sexual text messages to other women while he was married, but they maintained that this issue had already been addressed and resolved with his wife, implying that the matter was closed. Platner himself admitted to having been a "bad boyfriend" in his past relationships, acknowledging that his behavior had been unacceptable, but he vehemently denied ever having been violent towards anyone, emphasizing that he had never engaged in any form of physical abuse.
On Sunday, at the town hall meeting held in Portland, Platner received a highly enthusiastic reception from hundreds of supporters who attended the event, demonstrating the significant level of backing he still enjoys from his constituents.
Certain attendees stated that they attended the event specifically to demonstrate their support for him, particularly after he had experienced a challenging week.
Charlotte Brown, who is an unenrolled voter, mentioned that she had previously supported Collins until the senator cast a vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, at which point her allegiance shifted. In Platner, she ultimately found a politician who, in her opinion, effectively "represented us" and our interests.
The attendees expressed that they wanted to attend the event to show their support for him, especially considering the numerous attacks he had been facing, and they also wanted him to be aware that they were backing him.
The majority of Platner's supporters, a group that comprises many older women who form the core of the Democratic Party in Maine, do not condone his past actions, but rather, they believe that he has undergone significant personal growth.
According to Janet Miles, an Air Force veteran who attended an event in support of Pingree over the weekend, the incidents that occurred in his personal life took place a long time ago, and she emphasized that people are capable of change.
I definitely do not approve of the actions he took, but the situation would be entirely different if those actions had occurred just a week ago.
Cathy Walter, a retiree residing in Gorham, Maine, expressed her initial reaction to Platner's comments regarding women drinking and rape, stating, "I was really upset when I heard his comments about women drinking and rape," in reference to Platner's Reddit history, which was uncovered last fall. The posts in question, written by Platner over a decade ago, contained statements suggesting that victims of sexual assault should assume responsibility for their actions and avoid consuming alcohol in order to prevent ending up in a "compromising situation."
However, Walter acknowledged and appreciated the fact that Platner took ownership of his past behavior, and she noted that these past actions "does not disqualify him" from her perspective. Walter is currently looking to national leaders for guidance on whether Platner still has a viable chance of beating Collins in the November election.
Walter explained her thought process, saying, "I'm watching to see what Bernie Sanders is saying, and what Elizabeth Warren is saying," as she seeks to inform her own opinion on the matter by considering the perspectives of these prominent national leaders.
“They would be pulling their support if he couldn’t get elected” is a statement that highlights the pressure on a candidate to perform well in the election.
The remarkable political ascent of Platner has been a subject of fascination for the entire state ever since he officially launched his campaign last August. Despite the emergence of news reports focusing on his old social media posts and a tattoo that bore a resemblance to a Nazi symbol, these controversies did not significantly impede his progress. Mills, who was handpicked by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to participate in the race, ultimately made the decision to suspend her campaign towards the end of April, at a time when Platner was consistently leading her in terms of both fundraising efforts and public opinion polls.
Mills has declined to offer her endorsement to Platner, and as a result, some of those who harbor doubts about Platner's candidacy are now planning to cast their votes for Mills in the upcoming primary election. The governor has refrained from making any public comments regarding the race, except for a recent reminder to a columnist from the Maine Trust for Local News, in which she noted that her name still appears on the ballot.
Mills campaign signs were still visible and scattered throughout various Portland neighborhoods over the course of the weekend. In the specific area of Portland known as the Back Bay, one of these signs had been attached to a wooden post using staples in a somewhat improvisational manner. On this particular sign, a handwritten message had been added using a blue marker, serving as a reminder to individuals passing by, which stated: “She’s still in! Vote!” and was intended to encourage support.
For several months, National Republicans have been actively preparing for a general election campaign against Platner, with the pro-Collins super PAC, Pine Tree Results, launching advertisements just last month that specifically focused on certain comments made by Platner on the online platform Reddit, as well as her tattoo. Following the recent controversies that have arisen, Collins addressed reporters in Maine on Friday and stated that Platner currently has “a lot of questions to answer”, implying that there are several issues that require clarification and explanation from her.
Halvorsen, a former enthusiastic supporter of Platner who had become increasingly frustrated with the recent scandals surrounding him, expressed that she could not recall a time when Maine Democrats were as deeply divided over an issue as they were now, and she drew upon her past experiences of witnessing many contentious primaries in the state. On social media platforms, she revealed that she had encountered a significant amount of backlash for being a skeptic of Platner, as well as for being a devoted fan, and now she was also facing criticism for adopting a more ambivalent stance towards him.
Halvorsen emphasized that the current divisions within the party were precisely what certain external forces desired, stating, “Trump wants us to be divided,” and she lamented that this divisive dynamic was indeed unfolding in Maine.
The oysterman continues to have a substantial foundation of support, however, the scandals that have surrounded him have resulted in a negative perception among certain Democratic and independent voters, leaving a lasting impression.
Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate running for the Senate, is seen speaking outside a campaign event that took place on June 7, 2026, in Portland, Maine, as captured by Robert F. Bukaty/AP Photo.
Located in Portland, Maine, a significant development has unfolded, where Darcy Halvorsen, a 59-year-old individual, had previously submitted her early ballot in support of Graham Platner for the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, only to later come across news reports regarding the oysterman's involvement in sending sexual text messages while being married to a woman who was not his wife.
As a result of this new information, Halvorsen, who had initially been skeptical of Platner but later became a supporter, has now reverted back to her initial stance as a skeptic of the candidate.
As she attended one of his town hall meetings, which was held at the Elks Lodge in Portland on Sunday, and marked at least her eighth Platner event since the previous fall, she was experiencing regret over her vote.
She expressed her feelings of disappointment and disillusionment, stating, “I’m feeling very let down, disappointed,” and further elaborated on the reasons behind her emotions, saying, “Because I don’t think it was handled well, and I also don’t think he took responsibility for it,” which clearly indicated her dissatisfaction with the situation.
The ongoing series of scandals surrounding Platner has created a significant divide, not only among the leaders of the Democratic Party but also among its voters, as they are facing the critical must-win Senate race ahead, and the importance of this election cannot be overstated.
The Democratic Party's goal of defeating Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the November election is absolutely crucial to their overall strategy of regaining control of the upper chamber, which in turn would provide a much-needed check on the actions and policies of President Donald Trump.
However, even as Platner's loyal supporters continue to stand by him, the significant amount of political baggage he carries is posing a substantial threat to his chances with certain Democratic and independent voters as the general election approaches, as revealed through conversations with nearly two dozen voters from Maine.
A number of Democratic voters expressed reluctance to share their thoughts on the Senate race, stating that they believed Platner's nomination was essentially a foregone conclusion at this point, and therefore, they were hesitant to express their opinion about him, fearing that it would likely be met with a strong negative reaction. Other voters, who had initially planned to cast their ballots for the Democratic candidate in the November election, are now considering the possibility of either supporting Collins or abstaining from participating in the Senate race altogether, which presents a notable challenge for the likely nominee and his political party.
Peter and Kelly Dufour were operating the grill at a Get-Out-the-Vote event for gubernatorial candidate Hannah Pingree, which was being held in Portland on Saturday, and they were expressing their enthusiasm for the former Democratic state House speaker's candidacy for the position of governor. When questioned about the Senate race, Kelly responded by placing her head in her hands, indicating her apparent frustration or disappointment with the current situation.
The couple was seeking to acquire more information about David Costello, who had previously been the Democratic Senate nominee in 2024 and was once again running in the primary this year, making him one of the candidates on the ballot, alongside Platner and Gov. Janet Mills, who had suspended her campaign back in April.
Peter stated that he felt "disappointed" by Collins' voting record over the past few years, specifically mentioning her decisions to confirm certain judges, but at the same time, he was feeling "torn" about the idea of giving up her prominent seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee in favor of Platner, which presented a difficult dilemma for him.
He expressed his desire to have a senator who possesses good moral character, and he described his current stance on the race as being precisely divided, or 50-50.
Kelly expressed uncertainty regarding whether her own views on the race had shifted to a 50-50 stance in light of the most recent developments surrounding Platner.
Regarding Platner, Kelly stated that it appears as though there is a continuous string of issues, with one problem emerging after another.
Platner, along with his supporters, has explained that his past misconduct can be attributed to the challenges he faced due to post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as his struggles with alcohol use, both of which were exacerbated by his departure from the military.
He has publicly stated that upon relocating back to Maine, he was able to find a sense of community, and he has asked voters to assess him based on the person he is today, rather than his past actions.
However, some voters in Maine remain unconvinced by Platner's narrative of personal redemption and continue to harbor doubts about his character.
Kathy Bonk, a resident of Brooksville and the president of the Maine chapter of the National Organization of Women, intends to cast her vote for Mills in the primary election taking place on Tuesday, although she anticipates that Platner will ultimately emerge victorious.
According to Bonk, there has been extensive press coverage surrounding the notion that Maine voters should be allowed to make their own decision, and she explained that while the Maine Democratic voters will indeed decide the outcome of the primary, the same question will subsequently be posed to all Maine voters during the general election. She further stated, “I believe that a significant number of individuals, in light of the various revelations that have surfaced regarding Platner, will find it difficult to muster the support necessary to vote for him.”
Certain Democrats are holding out hope that if Platner performs poorly in the primary election on Tuesday, this might serve as an incentive for him to withdraw from the race, thereby allowing the state Democratic party to select an alternative candidate to replace him.
However, the notion appeared to be quite absurd to the majority of voters in Maine, considering not only Platner's history of withstanding scandals, but also his substantial base of supporters, many of whom perceive his controversies as external attacks on his movement that have ultimately strengthened their dedication to him.
The sentiment that Mainers are reluctant to see one of their own being undermined was expressed by Constantine Dixon, a 36-year-old individual from Portland, who was in attendance at the Sunday town hall meeting for Platner, where he stated, "Mainers don't want to see one of their own cut down at the knees."
Platner has managed to inspire a significant number of Maine voters in a manner that few other candidates have achieved in the state's recent political history, attracting enormous crowds, akin to those rarely seen in the state, and transforming from a relatively unknown oysterman to consistently surpassing the incumbent governor in primary polls, a feat that highlights his remarkable rise in popularity.
Many of Graham Platner's supporters dismiss his recent controversies as being of lesser significance compared to the key issues that are central to his campaign, which include implementing universal health care, eliminating the influence of money in politics, and striving to make the state more affordable for working-class individuals.
Graham Platner has continued to receive backing from prominent lawmakers, such as Sens. Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, and Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, who have chosen to endorse him despite the controversies surrounding his campaign. Additionally, Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, demonstrated his support for Platner by participating in a rally with him in Bar Harbor on Friday, while Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii, publicly declared his support for the first time by hosting a virtual fundraising event for Platner on Sunday.
In a statement released to the public, Ben Chin, who serves as the campaign manager for Platner, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the loyalty and dedication of the campaign's supporters, stating, “Since the inception of this campaign, we have been and continue to be profoundly humbled by the unwavering support and loyalty exhibited by this movement.” Chin further emphasized that the people of Maine are familiar with Graham Platner, have a clear understanding of the principles he represents, and firmly believe in the core objectives that this campaign is striving to achieve.
The primary focus of our efforts has always been, and will continue to be, lifting people up and fighting for the rights and interests of working Mainers, as this has been and always will be our top priority.
In the days that followed the release of reports detailing the extramarital sexting scandal, the New York Times published a series of accounts from several of Platner's ex-girlfriends, who shared their recollections of disturbing patterns of behavior that they had experienced during their relationships with him. One of the women came forward with allegations that Platner had physically grabbed her in ways that resulted in visible marks on her body, and on one occasion, he allegedly locked her in a room, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
Platner's campaign team acknowledged that he had indeed sent sexual text messages to other women while he was married, but they maintained that this issue had already been addressed and resolved with his wife, implying that the matter was closed. Platner himself admitted to having been a "bad boyfriend" in his past relationships, acknowledging that his behavior had been unacceptable, but he vehemently denied ever having been violent towards anyone, emphasizing that he had never engaged in any form of physical abuse.
On Sunday, at the town hall meeting held in Portland, Platner received a highly enthusiastic reception from hundreds of supporters who attended the event, demonstrating the significant level of backing he still enjoys from his constituents.
Certain attendees stated that they attended the event specifically to demonstrate their support for him, particularly after he had experienced a challenging week.
Charlotte Brown, who is an unenrolled voter, mentioned that she had previously supported Collins until the senator cast a vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, at which point her allegiance shifted. In Platner, she ultimately found a politician who, in her opinion, effectively "represented us" and our interests.
The attendees expressed that they wanted to attend the event to show their support for him, especially considering the numerous attacks he had been facing, and they also wanted him to be aware that they were backing him.
The majority of Platner's supporters, a group that comprises many older women who form the core of the Democratic Party in Maine, do not condone his past actions, but rather, they believe that he has undergone significant personal growth.
According to Janet Miles, an Air Force veteran who attended an event in support of Pingree over the weekend, the incidents that occurred in his personal life took place a long time ago, and she emphasized that people are capable of change.
I definitely do not approve of the actions he took, but the situation would be entirely different if those actions had occurred just a week ago.
Cathy Walter, a retiree residing in Gorham, Maine, expressed her initial reaction to Platner's comments regarding women drinking and rape, stating, "I was really upset when I heard his comments about women drinking and rape," in reference to Platner's Reddit history, which was uncovered last fall. The posts in question, written by Platner over a decade ago, contained statements suggesting that victims of sexual assault should assume responsibility for their actions and avoid consuming alcohol in order to prevent ending up in a "compromising situation."
However, Walter acknowledged and appreciated the fact that Platner took ownership of his past behavior, and she noted that these past actions "does not disqualify him" from her perspective. Walter is currently looking to national leaders for guidance on whether Platner still has a viable chance of beating Collins in the November election.
Walter explained her thought process, saying, "I'm watching to see what Bernie Sanders is saying, and what Elizabeth Warren is saying," as she seeks to inform her own opinion on the matter by considering the perspectives of these prominent national leaders.
“They would be pulling their support if he couldn’t get elected” is a statement that highlights the pressure on a candidate to perform well in the election.
The remarkable political ascent of Platner has been a subject of fascination for the entire state ever since he officially launched his campaign last August. Despite the emergence of news reports focusing on his old social media posts and a tattoo that bore a resemblance to a Nazi symbol, these controversies did not significantly impede his progress. Mills, who was handpicked by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to participate in the race, ultimately made the decision to suspend her campaign towards the end of April, at a time when Platner was consistently leading her in terms of both fundraising efforts and public opinion polls.
Mills has declined to offer her endorsement to Platner, and as a result, some of those who harbor doubts about Platner's candidacy are now planning to cast their votes for Mills in the upcoming primary election. The governor has refrained from making any public comments regarding the race, except for a recent reminder to a columnist from the Maine Trust for Local News, in which she noted that her name still appears on the ballot.
Mills campaign signs were still visible and scattered throughout various Portland neighborhoods over the course of the weekend. In the specific area of Portland known as the Back Bay, one of these signs had been attached to a wooden post using staples in a somewhat improvisational manner. On this particular sign, a handwritten message had been added using a blue marker, serving as a reminder to individuals passing by, which stated: “She’s still in! Vote!” and was intended to encourage support.
For several months, National Republicans have been actively preparing for a general election campaign against Platner, with the pro-Collins super PAC, Pine Tree Results, launching advertisements just last month that specifically focused on certain comments made by Platner on the online platform Reddit, as well as her tattoo. Following the recent controversies that have arisen, Collins addressed reporters in Maine on Friday and stated that Platner currently has “a lot of questions to answer”, implying that there are several issues that require clarification and explanation from her.
Halvorsen, a former enthusiastic supporter of Platner who had become increasingly frustrated with the recent scandals surrounding him, expressed that she could not recall a time when Maine Democrats were as deeply divided over an issue as they were now, and she drew upon her past experiences of witnessing many contentious primaries in the state. On social media platforms, she revealed that she had encountered a significant amount of backlash for being a skeptic of Platner, as well as for being a devoted fan, and now she was also facing criticism for adopting a more ambivalent stance towards him.
Halvorsen emphasized that the current divisions within the party were precisely what certain external forces desired, stating, “Trump wants us to be divided,” and she lamented that this divisive dynamic was indeed unfolding in Maine.
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