Platner Leads Maine Senate Primary Polls Despite Controversies

Graham Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer and Marine Corps veteran, is leading polls in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Maine, despite ongoing scrutiny over past controversies that include a tattoo linked to Nazi symbolism and inflammatory online comments. The June 9 primary pits Platner against incumbent Gov. Janet Mills, with the winner advancing to challenge five-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November in a contest that could influence Senate control.

Platner launched his campaign in August with a populist message targeting affordability issues like housing and health care, while framing his opponents as beholden to wealthy interests. He has described the oligarchy and billionaires as the primary enemy in his launch video. To build support, Platner has organized more than 50 town halls across Maine since entering the race, along with canvassing sessions, phone banking, brewery happy hours and community events such as trivia nights. At a recent trivia gathering in Kittery, near the New Hampshire border, supporters answered questions about his background, including the controversy surrounding a skull-and-crossbones tattoo he received while on leave in...