Maine Senate candidate Graham Platnyk faces abuse allegations amid campaign

Democratic Senate hopeful Graham Platnyk, running against Republican incumbent Susan Collins in Maine, has been accused by several former girlfriends of physical abuse, sexting with multiple women and displaying a tattoo linked to a Nazi symbol. The New York Times reported incidents ranging from alleged arm‑twisting and dragging a partner out of a taxi to a tattoo the candidate once described as a "Totenkopf." Platnyk denied the claims, describing them as politically motivated.

Democratic leaders have responded unevenly. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a noted #MeToo advocate, declined to disavow Platnyk and emphasized the party’s goal of winning the Maine seat. Other senators, including Bernie Sanders, offered no comment, while figures such as Chris Coons suggested giving Platnyk "some leeway." At the same time, some activists and progressive groups withdrew support, arguing accountability should trump political considerations. The controversy is prompting the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee to reconsider ad spending in the race, and it may affect the broader contest to unseat Senator Susan Collins.