Maine Democratic Senate Candidate Faces Intense Scrutiny

As the primary election on Tuesday approaches, Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate from Maine, is under increased scrutiny. Republican senators are actively criticizing his candidacy, while many Democrats remain silent.

Senate Democrats are hesitant to publicly support Platner amid growing controversies. Some Democratic senators avoided commenting on whether they still support him, emphasizing that the decision rests with Maine voters.

“I think it is really sad when you have someone who’s a self-described communist, who put a Nazi tattoo on himself, to see so many Senate Democrats supporting him,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.

When approached by Fox News Digital, several Democratic senators refused to express support for Platner. For instance, Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., when asked about his support, stated he does not vote in Maine.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, expressed uncertainty about Platner’s support among voters, saying, “The people of Maine are going to have to make up their minds.” Several other Democrats mentioned they had not closely followed the Maine election due to other priorities.

“I’m gonna take a look at the race,” said Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. “I hadn’t paid any attention. We’ve been busy on other fronts so, but I will look at it now.”

Platner’s campaign is overshadowed by various controversies. Allegations include engaging in sexting scandals post-marriage, mocking a wounded soldier, and making crude sexual posts online. Accusations of misconduct in romantic relationships have also surfaced recently.

A New York Times report highlighted allegations from Platner’s ex-partners, claiming he harbors negative sentiments toward women. The report also addressed a Nazi-related tattoo, which Platner reportedly acknowledged despite earlier denials.

“He hated women,” the report quoted one of Platner’s ex-girlfriends.

Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., expressed hope that Maine voters would reject Platner as a Democratic nominee. “I think it’s going to be interesting to see if the voters of Maine are able to see through the lies that Graham Platner is planting,” Hagerty commented.

Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., criticized the idea that Platner could represent Maine. “They have no representation. Now they’re taking these people who absolutely have no business representing anybody,” he said.

Despite the controversies surrounding his campaign, Platner remains a leading contender in the Democratic primary. Some Democrats, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., continue to support him due to the strategic opportunity in the midterms against the Republican-held seat.

In the event of his victory, Platner would oppose incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in the November midterms.

“I can’t imagine that Mainers want to be represented by somebody like that,” Sen. Hagerty remarked.

Sen. Tuberville concluded by lamenting the embarrassment of Platner’s candidacy in the race.

Hannah Brennan, who has previously worked with Aspen Daily News, reported this story. She graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in December 2025 and joined Fox News Digital in early 2026.