Graham Platner will face voters at a Portland town hall two days before a Democratic primary as he seeks to steady his Senate campaign amid reports about his past conduct toward women. The New York Times published allegations from an ex-girlfriend claiming physical abuse, which Platner denies, while other reports detailed sexually explicit messages exchanged while he was married. Major Democrats have not rescinded endorsements, but the revelations have heightened scrutiny and uncertainty about his general-election prospects against Sen. Susan Collins.
Graham Platner Faces Voters at Portland Town Hall as Allegations Shadow Senate Bid
Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks at a campaign event Friday, June 5, 2026, in Bar Harbor, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)(AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Graham Platner will answer questions from voters at a town-hall-style event in Portland, Maine, on Sunday as he seeks to steady his Democratic Senate campaign after new reports about his past treatment of women.
The meeting comes two days before a Democratic primary that is widely viewed as Platner's to win, but which could offer an early gauge of whether enthusiasm for his unconventional candidacy has softened amid recent controversies.
Allegations and Platner's Response
The New York Times reported that an ex-girlfriend accused Platner of repeatedly grabbing her by the shoulders during arguments and of once twisting her arm behind her back and locking her in a room. Platner has publicly denied allegations of physical violence.
Other former girlfriends interviewed by the Times described mixed experiences: some recounted positive interactions, while others called him volatile and insulting. Those accounts followed reporting that Platner exchanged sexually explicit messages with several women while he was married.
Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks at a campaign event Friday, June 5, 2026, in Bar Harbor, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)(AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Campaign Context and Reactions
Despite the revelations, major Democrats who had endorsed Platner have not withdrawn their support. Platner is campaigning to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the November general election.
On Friday in Bar Harbor, Platner campaigned with Rep. Ro Khanna of California, drawing a standing ovation and telling supporters that Mainers "have my back." Platner, a combat veteran, has acknowledged struggles with alcohol and post-traumatic stress disorder after his military service and says he is a changed man.
Prior Scrutiny
The latest reports have compounded earlier scrutiny of Platner over online posts that were viewed as dismissive of sexual assault and a skull tattoo that critics recognized as a Nazi symbol. Platner has apologized for the posts, covered the tattoo and said he did not understand its significance when he got it.
Rahm Emanuel, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate who spent the weekend in neighboring New Hampshire, said, "The jury is still out" on whether Platner can beat Collins. "Everybody is holding their breath whether this is the start of something or the end of something," Emanuel added.
As the primary approaches, Platner's town hall will be closely watched for signals about voter sentiment and whether the controversies will alter his standing in the race.
Help us improve.
