Graham Platner Wins Maine Democratic Senate Primary

Graham Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer, won Maine’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, June 10, securing the nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in November. His victory, achieved with approximately 72 percent of the vote, came amid a series of personal controversies that have drawn national attention and tightened the race’s polling.

Platner, 41, has faced allegations of abusive behavior toward former romantic partners, reports of sending explicit messages to women outside his marriage, and scrutiny over a chest tattoo. The tattoo, a skull and crossbones design he received in Croatia in 2007, has been described as resembling the Nazi Totenkopf symbol. Platner has stated he was unaware of its historical association until journalists raised the issue in late 2025, after which he covered it with a new design. However, at least two former partners have publicly disputed this account, claiming he was aware of the symbol’s origins.

In response to the allegations, a campaign spokesperson reiterated that Platner selected the tattoo to commemorate surviving combat in Ramadi and honoring fallen friends, and that he has since...