Platner’s Controversial Rise

A controversial but popular Maine Democrat, Graham Platner, has won the Senate primary with over 70% of the vote — despite a troubling past that includes a Nazi tattoo, Reddit posts, and allegations of mistreating women. Many voters are backing him solely to unseat GOP Senator Susan Collins, seeing him as their best shot at flipping the seat — even as strategists and some party members express discomfort. Platner, a veteran oyster farmer and PTSD survivor, frames himself as a relatable underdog focused on cost-of-living issues, a message that’s resonated with progressives. But with nearly a third of Democrats choosing not to vote for him, his path to victory hinges on whether voters will prioritize defeating Collins over his baggage — and whether he can win over those still uneasy about his history. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3f40d030638f2991