Trending Now - Maine Democratic Senate Primary Intensifies With Harsh Attacks

WHO:

President Trump, Graham Platner (Democratic Senate candidate, U.S. Marine and Army veteran, oyster farmer), Gov. Janet Mills (two-term Democratic Governor of Maine), Republican Sen. Susan Collins (incumbent), Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vermont), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Ben Chin (Platner's campaign manager), David Costello (Democratic candidate), Ruben Gallego (Senator from Arizona), United Auto Workers, Maine State Nurses Association.

WHAT:

Mills launched a negative ad against Platner on March 15th, 2026, highlighting his controversial comments and tattoo.

Platner claimed that "anti-trans" campaigns were attempts by billionaires to avoid discussing taxes.

Platner's campaign raised $7.8 million in 2025, while Mills raised $2.6 million and Collins raised $4.6 million.

The Mills ad features women reacting to Platner's comments, calling them "a horrible thing to say," "disgusting," and "disqualifying."

Platner apologized for his controversial Reddit posts, stating, "For those of you who have read these things and been offended... I am deeply sorry."

The ad buy for Mills' campaign is described as a six-figure investment running statewide across various media platforms.

WHERE:

Maine, specifically referenced locations include Ogunquit, Maine, and Washington D.C.

WHEN:

The negative ad was launched on March 15th, 2026.

Platner spoke at a town hall on October 22nd, 2025.

Collins launched her re-election bid on February 10th, 2026.

The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 2026.

WHY:

The race is seen as a crucial opportunity for Democrats to unseat Collins and regain a Senate majority.

Platner's campaign is positioned as a response to dissatisfaction with President Trump's agenda and the Democratic establishment.

HOW:

Mills' campaign is utilizing a negative advertising strategy to highlight Platner's past comments and controversies.

Platner's campaign is described as an insurgent effort appealing to the populist and progressive wings of the Democratic Party.

(UPDATED March 17, 2026 17:26 UTC)

In a heated Senate race in Maine, Governor Janet Mills launched a negative ad against Democratic candidate Graham Platner on March 15, highlighting his controversial comments and tattoo, while Platner defended himself by claiming that "anti-trans" campaigns are distractions from tax discussions. The ad features women expressing their outrage at Platner's remarks, calling them disqualifying, and comes as Mills seeks to unseat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in a crucial election for the Democrats. Platner, who raised $7.8 million last year, has since apologized for his past Reddit posts, stating he is deeply sorry for any offense caused, as both candidates gear up for the Democratic primary scheduled for June.