Graham Platner’s Senate Campaign Gains Planned Parenthood Endorsement Amid Controversies

Democratic candidate Graham Platner secured the Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s endorsement in his bid to unseat Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in Maine’s U.S. Senate race. The endorsement highlights Platner’s support for reproductive rights, with Planned Parenthood president Alexis McGill Johnson calling Collins a “fair‑weather feminist” and praising Platner as a champion for sexual and reproductive health care.

Platner’s campaign has been marked by controversy. Archived Reddit posts revealed offensive jokes about incest, bestiality and necrophilia, and comments that mocked veterans. He faced criticism for a former Totenkopf‑style tattoo, allegations of domestic abuse from former partners, and a history of sexting multiple women while married. At a recent event, Platner disclosed he had received STI testing at Planned Parenthood, stating, “I got STI checks. It’s not an embarrassing thing, it’s a smart thing to do.”

Collins defended her record, arguing Maine voters want “steady leadership” and “independence,” but was challenged for misrepresenting the Supreme Court’s 5‑4 vote that overturned Roe v. Wade and for supporting Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation. The race has drawn national attention, with endorsements from Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and commentary from Jon Stewart, underscoring its significance as one of the most closely watched contests of the midterm cycle.