Maine Senate Race Faces Turmoil Amid Platner Scandal

Gov. Janet Mills of Maine, who stepped away from actively campaigning in the Senate race last month, suggested she is still available as a choice for Democratic voters. Her comments followed controversy surrounding Graham Platner, the presumptive Democratic nominee, who became embroiled in scandal over explicit texts sent to women outside his marriage.

Mills emphasized in an interview with The Portland Press Herald that she has not fully withdrawn, stating, “I simply suspended active campaigning. I am still on the ballot.” Her remarks came amidst the uproar involving Platner, 41 years old, an oyster farmer and newcomer to political candidacy. His campaign had previously pushed Mills, 78, a two-term governor endorsed by Senator Chuck Schumer, out of the active race in late April.

The recent scandal involves Platner admitting to sending sexual messages to six women since his marriage in 2023. His past controversies include a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he has since covered, and inflammatory Reddit posts. These revelations unsettled Democratic circles as the primary elections approach, with Mills and David Costello, a former official in Maine and Maryland state governments, still present on the ballot.

This situation distracted Democrats from their goal of unseating Senator Susan Collins, a five-term Republican who consistently wins re-election even when Democratic presidential candidates prevail in Maine. The state, which Vice President Kamala Harris won in 2024, remains pivotal due to its competitive Senate race. For Democrats to gain Senate control in November, flipping at least four Republican-held seats is essential, with Maine being a key target.

Platner addressed these reports with a defensive stance, labeling them as “journalistic malpractice” and arguing for attention on his campaign’s issues. He claimed, “Our opponents want politics to be empty of content and empty of actual change.”

Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont, a supporter of Platner, emphasized the need to prioritize issues affecting working families. He acknowledged Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, remains supportive and conveyed best wishes for their marriage.

Reporters Annie Karni and Katie Glueck contributed to this report. Reid J. Epstein, a Times journalist, provided coverage from Washington.