Candidate Accused Over Sexual Messages Wins Maine Primary

Platner Wins Democratic Primary

Scandal Marked Election Campaign

He Will Compete Against Susan Collins

Graham Platner, a 41-year-old war veteran and oyster businessman, won Maine’s Democratic primary for the Senate on Tuesday.

The candidate managed to prevail despite a series of personal controversies related to sexually explicit messages sent to several women during his marriage.

His victory will allow him to compete in November for a Senate seat against Republican Susan Collins, according to Infobae.

The election had drawn national attention because of the impact the accusations could have on his campaign and on Democratic chances in a state considered key.

Graham Platner Wins Democratic Senate Primary in Maine

Graham Platner — who has been under scrutiny over online posts, a Nazi-linked tattoo and allegations he sent explicit texts — won Maine’s Democratic Senate primary.

Democrats see him as their best shot to oust Sen. Susan Collins despite the revelations. https://t.co/ONqLgD20JE pic.twitter.com/Azu4oK6Ltp

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) June 10, 2026

In the weeks leading up to the primary, Platner faced questions over sexual messages exchanged with multiple women outside his marriage.

The information was published in late May by outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and CNN.

According to those reports, his wife, Amy Gertner, discovered the messages in the spring of 2025.

Later, in August of that same year, she informed the team preparing the campaign for the Senate primary.

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Advisers evaluated the possible political impact of the case.

However, at that time they considered it a private matter.

For that reason, they decided not to make it public, although they had already identified the issue as a possible vulnerability for Platner’s aspirations.

When the messages became public, concerns arose within the Democratic Party about the electoral consequences they could have among primary voters.

Platner’s continued candidacy was also questioned by some Democrats who had supported the #MeToo movement for years.

Progressive Support Was Key

Democratic candidate involved in scandal over sexual messages wins primary in Maine https://t.co/tPmIsUS7EH

— el Nuevo Herald (@elnuevoherald) June 10, 2026

Despite the scandal, Platner received support from prominent progressive figures.

Among those who backed his candidacy were Senator Bernie Sanders and Congressman Ro Khanna.

That support remained in place even after the accusations became public.

Before the vote, Platner publicly apologized for his behavior.

He also attributed part of his conduct to mental health problems stemming from his military service.

The explanation did not eliminate criticism, but the candidate managed to maintain enough support to win the primary.

The result shows that the controversy did not prevent him from securing the necessary backing within Maine’s Democratic electorate.

Maine Becomes a Key State

Platner’s victory sets up an election that will be closely watched nationally.

Maine is seen as one of the best opportunities for Democrats to try to take a Senate seat from Republicans.

A victory in November would help bring the party closer to a possible majority in the upper chamber.

For that reason, the race against Susan Collins promises to become one of the most relevant contests of the election cycle.

Meanwhile, the primary calendar continues advancing in other strategic states.

Internal contests are still pending in Florida, Texas, Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

In those states, candidacies for Congress and several governorships will be decided.

The results of those elections will help shape the political map ahead of the midterm elections and determine the main electoral battles of November.