Graham Platner, a far-left candidate who has accused Israel of “genocide,” won Maine’s Democratic primary for the US Senate on Tuesday, setting up a closely watched race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Platner, a former Marine and Army National Guard veteran, received about 73% of the vote with roughly one-quarter of ballots counted. Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who suspended her campaign in April but remained on the ballot, received about 19%.
His campaign has survived several serious controversies, including offensive social-media posts, extramarital sexual messages, an allegation of physical abuse by a former girlfriend and a tattoo associated with the Nazi SS that he later covered.
Some Democrats condemned Platner. Rep. Jake Auchincloss called the tattoo disqualifying, while Sen. John Fetterman described him as a “ghoul.” Nevertheless, Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand quickly reaffirmed their support, arguing that defeating Collins could help Democrats regain control of the Senate.
