If anyone thought recent revelations about Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner’s past would give Democrats instant clarity about their party’s path forward, they apparently have another thing coming.
Since the revelations about
extreme statements Platner made online and
his tattoo featuring Nazi imagery, indicators have pointed to a drawn-out and arduous primary process for the 2026 race.
First, a poll showed Platner with a huge early lead on Maine Gov. Janet Mills in the primary,
58%-24%, as of mid-October. The University of New Hampshire poll was conducted almost wholly before the tattoo story broke, but the numbers were remarkable. They suggested Platner had a real base to work with — one that could make him a force even if it’s diminished.
And second, we’ve seen a number of prominent figures dig in on their Platner support — or at least not ditch him. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont unapologetically stood by him. And Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Sunday he viewed Platner as “a human being who made mistakes, recognizes them, and is very open about it.”
[...]
If Democrats are to win the Senate in 2026, they probably need to win not just in Maine, but also win every swing state and flip a seat in a red state like Ohio.
And longtime Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has proved very difficult to beat. Democratic opponent Sara Gideon in 2020 raised tens of millions of dollars and led in most polls — only to lose by 9 points on Election Day. Collins won that race even though Trump lost the state by 9 points.
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