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Maine Senate Candidate Platner Stays on Ballot Amid Scandal

6/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Graham Platner (Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine) remains on the June 9 primary ballot despite allegations of sexting, intimidation and a Nazi-like tattoo.
Platner denies the abuse claims as politically motivated, acknowledges past alcohol misuse and PTSD, says he has changed, and retains endorsements from Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren.
Betting markets have lowered his win probability from 72% to about 54%.

History

Historical Context

The June 17 1972 burglary of the Democratic National Committee offices sparked the Senate’s Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, created by a 77-0 vote in February 1973 and televised in May 1973, leading to the 1978 Ethics in Government Act. That legacy of intense media and congressional scrutiny now frames voters’ focus on candidates such as Maine’s Senate nominee Graham Platner.

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Story summary

Graham Platner (Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine) remains on the June 9 primary ballot despite allegations of sexting, intimidation and a Nazi-like tattoo.
Platner denies the abuse claims as politically motivated, acknowledges past alcohol misuse and PTSD, says he has changed, and retains endorsements from Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren.
Betting markets have lowered his win probability from 72% to about 54%.

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