Normal view

How Maine Democrats view Platner's scandals and chances to oust Sen. Collins

Republicans and Democrats in Nevada, North Dakota and South Carolina select their nominees on Tuesday, but much of the nation's political focus will be on Maine. Democrat Graham Platner is expected to emerge from the primary to take on five-term incumbent GOP Sen. Susan Collins. But Platner has faced one scandal after another during the campaign. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Alex Seitz-Wald.

6 things to watch in Tuesday's primaries as Platner seeks Maine win

Voters across Maine, Nevada, South Carolina and North Dakota head to the polls Tuesday for another day of primary elections in America, but much of the political world will be focused on Maine's high-stakes U.S. Senate contest.

Live Results: Maine midterm primaries

8 June 2026 at 21:16
Primaries for U.S. Senate and U.S. House on Tuesday will set the stage for a midterm general election in which Maine is expected to play a critical role in deciding control of both chambers.

Military service and PTSD do not excuse Graham Platner’s behavior

8 June 2026 at 17:00
A Marine veteran running for U.S. Senate has been criticized for his long history of bad behavior and questionable stances, which he has attempted to attribute to his PTSD, but a fellow veteran argues that PTSD does not absolve him of his actions and that he must be held accountable.

Military service and PTSD do not excuse Graham Platner’s behavior

8 June 2026 at 17:00
A Marine veteran running for U.S. Senate has been criticized for his long history of bad behavior and questionable stances, which he has attempted to attribute to his PTSD, but a fellow veteran argues that PTSD does not absolve him of his actions and that he must be held accountable.

Why President Trump should endorse Graham Platner in Maine

8 June 2026 at 14:30
President Trump should endorse Graham Platner, a Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, to further his agenda of humiliating Republicans and rewarding candidates who are vessels for populist rage.

Why President Trump should endorse Graham Platner in Maine

8 June 2026 at 14:30
President Trump should endorse Graham Platner, a Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, to further his agenda of humiliating Republicans and rewarding candidates who are vessels for populist rage.

Graham Platner to hold Maine rally with Rep. Ro Khanna as scandals shake up campaign

Last weekend, his campaign wrestled with stories about sexually explicit messages that Platner sent to several women while he was married. Then on Thursday, The New York Times reported about his relationships with previous girlfriends. Some viewed him positively but others described him as volatile and insulting.

❌