Graham Platner Faces Controversies in Maine Senate Race

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner is speaking at a ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour stop organized by Sen. Bernie Sanders in Orono, Maine. Platner, the leading Democratic nominee, is set to challenge Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat in the upcoming general election.

With only days left until the primary election and voting already underway, Platner is addressing questions about his future in the race following revelations about his past. Platner has been a frontrunner to replace long-serving Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Winning this election is crucial for the Democrats, who seek control of the Senate in November.

Recently, The New York Times published a story highlighting accusations from past romantic partners who labeled Platner’s behavior as ‘toxic’ and claimed that he ‘does not respect women.’ These allegations have led some to question the viability of his candidacy. However, Platner dismisses these concerns. ‘The purpose of these stories is to distract from discussions about healthcare, raising taxes on the wealthy, and removing money from politics,’ he told Maine Public. He also mentioned he has not been asked by the National Democratic Party to withdraw from the race.

The New York Times piece is not the only issue causing trouble for Platner’s campaign. When announcing his Senate run, a tattoo of a symbol similar to a Nazi insignia on Platner attracted attention. He stated that he was not aware of the resemblance when he got the tattoo while drinking with fellow Marines in 2007. Additionally, old and now-deleted Reddit comments containing racist views, as well as statements blaming sexual assault victims, have emerged. Furthermore, the Wall Street Journal reported that Platner exchanged sexually explicit messages with various women in early 2025, despite being married. His wife, Amy Gertner, has publicly defended him.

The New York Times story also featured an ex-partner, Lyndsey Fifield, a conservative activist, who recounted instances where she claimed Platner locked her in a room until she calmed down. Platner countered her allegations as ‘just not true,’ and downplayed their relationship, calling it ‘casual.’

Instead of seeing the article as harmful to his campaign, Platner interpreted it as an indication of effectiveness. ‘Reading about our marriage in the New York Times is painful but suggests we’re on the right track,’ he noted. He believes the scrutiny indicates that opponents feel threatened.

In response to the article, Fifield made a social media post expressing her disappointment with the culture in Washington, highlighting the need for change. She stated her desire to ensure a safe environment for her daughters in the political arena and encouraged victims of abuse to speak out regardless of party affiliations.

The campaign of Sen. Susan Collins did not immediately respond to Maine Public’s request for comment.

Platner has been transparent about his mental health challenges. Following his service in Iraq and Afghanistan, he struggled with PTSD and depression but began improving after seeking therapy at the VA from early 2017. Platner mentioned to Maine Public that he anticipated his past would be scrutinized but was surprised by the severity of the attacks.

‘When Amy and I made this decision, we expected scrutiny and lies,’ Platner stated. He believes the political establishment is resisting his campaign because they are trying to establish ‘something substantial.’

Platner remains confident that engaging with Mainers and addressing their issues will help him overcome these controversies and win the election. ‘By continuing to engage with people and addressing their daily struggles, I believe we can win,’ he added.