Graham Platner Faces Scrutiny Over Controversial Past as Maine Senate Race Intensifies

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo criticized Democrats for continuing to back Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner despite a series of controversies. Cuomo said on his show “The People’s Heartbeat” that Platner’s past includes “Nazi tattoos? ‘No big deal.’” and offensive Reddit posts featuring jokes about incest, bestiality and necrophilia, which remain archived online.

Platner’s campaign has focused on attacking incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, accusing her of corruption and of using legislation to benefit her husband’s lobbying firm. The campaign’s “Collins Rule” proposal would bar members of Congress from sponsoring bills that could financially aid spouses. Platner claimed Collins helped funnel $76 million in federal contracts to her husband and cited a 21‑fold increase in her personal wealth, though fact‑checkers have rated similar accusations as “mostly false.” Collins’ office rejected the allegations, calling them unfounded.

The race is seen as pivotal for Democrats, who need to flip four Senate seats to regain control, and Maine’s electorate has recently favored Democratic presidential candidates. Both the controversy over Platner’s online history and the attacks on Collins are shaping voter perceptions ahead of the November election.