Maine’s under-fire Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner dismissed the mounting series of controversies rocking his campaign as “politically motivated” at a get-out-the-vote rally Friday.Platner’s campaign is taking on water after being hit with a slew of troubling allegations this week. Republicans are pouring money into the campaign of his opponent, Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), while a new poll shows his public image has cratered.On Friday, however, he aimed to shake off the week as he took to the stage in Bar Harbor to declare that Maine has his “back” when it comes to what he called the “weaponized” scandals.
“When hurtful things I said on the internet a decade ago came out into the public, as I shared my personal journey through PTSD and darkness of recovery and accountability and growth, Maine had my back. Now, as every single piece of that past and journey gets dug up, litigated, and weaponized, you have my back,” Platner said.
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)
“When politically motivated, serious, and false accusations are made against me, Maine, you have my back. The state of Maine raised me, and the state of Maine saved me. And to all of you out there, Maine, I will always have your back,” Platner continued.
