Former Campaign Chief's Shocking Claims Threaten Platner's Bid
WHO:
Fox News - Graham Platner is a candidate in Maine's Democratic primary.
Fox News - Susan Collins is the incumbent senator against whom Platner is running.
Fox News - A former campaign director has made claims about Platner.
WHAT:
The Washington Post - Graham Platner plans to run a "bitterly negative" campaign against Sen. Susan Collins in the general election.
IJR - The former campaign director stated, “As Tuesday’s primary arrives, I want to make clear what transpired since August and why my concerns have only grown.”
Fox News - The former campaign director claims that Graham Platner should not be a senator.
Fox News - The claims were made just hours before the primary election.
WHERE:
Fox News - The events are taking place in Maine.
WHEN:
Alternet - If Platner were to decide to drop out of the race by July 13, the Democratic Party would be allowed to replace him on the November election ballot.
Fox News - The primary election is scheduled for Tuesday.
WHY:
Fox News - Allegations against Graham Platner include accusations of abusive behavior and criticism over sexually explicit messages and offensive social media posts.
Alternet - The stakes for Democrats are high, as Collins’ seat is considered must-win if Democrats are to retake control of the Senate.
Fox News - The former campaign director cites scandals as the reason Platner should not be a senator.
HOW:
Fox News - Sen. Bernie Sanders declined to comment on allegations against Platner, including those related to a Nazi-linked tattoo.
Alternet - If Platner drops out, one of three candidates currently running for governor could replace him, including Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, or Hannah Pingree.
Fox News - The claims were made publicly, impacting Platner's campaign just before the election.
(UPDATED June 10, 2026 01:43 UTC)
Graham Platner is gearing up to run a "bitterly negative" campaign against Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming general election. Allegations against Platner include accusations of abusive behavior, along with criticism over sexually explicit messages and offensive social media posts. Meanwhile, Senator Bernie Sanders has chosen not to comment on the allegations against Platner, which also include concerns about a Nazi-linked tattoo.
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(UPDATED June 9, 2026 17:42 UTC)
As the primary approaches, a campaign director has expressed growing concerns about the situation since August. If Platner decides to withdraw from the race by July 13, the Democratic Party would have the opportunity to replace him on the November ballot, which is crucial since Collins' seat is seen as essential for the Democrats to regain control of the Senate. Should Platner step aside, one of three candidates—Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, or Hannah Pingree—could take his place.
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(UPDATED June 9, 2026 15:59 UTC)
Graham Platner is running in Maine's Democratic primary against incumbent senator Susan Collins, but his campaign is facing challenges as a former campaign director publicly claims he should not be a senator due to alleged scandals. These accusations come just hours before the primary election, which is scheduled for Tuesday. The timing of these claims could significantly impact Platner's chances in the election.