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Graham Platner Overcomes Scandals to Win Maine Democratic Primary, Setting Up High-Stakes Senate Clash with Susan Collins
PORTLAND, Maine — The stage is officially set for a bruising general election battle in Maine, as political novice Graham Platner captured the Democratic nomination to challenge five-term Republican incumbent Senator Susan Collins. The high-stakes showdown in November is widely considered a must-win race for Democrats hoping to regain control of the upper chamber.
Platner, a Marine veteran and local oysterman, has successfully energized progressive voters despite navigating a gauntlet of recent personal scandals. During his victory speech on Tuesday night, the Democratic nominee immediately took aim at his Republican opponent, framing the upcoming election as a battle against entrenched political interests. "She serves Donald Trump, she serves the Epstein class, she serves her corporate donors," Platner told his supporters. "She does not serve us, and so we will defeat Susan Collins."
However, Platner's insurgent campaign has been shadowed by controversy. Last month, his campaign confirmed that he sent multiple women sexually explicit text messages during the early days of his marriage. Last week, several former girlfriends spoke to The New York Times, describing Platner's past behavior as "toxic" and "unsettling."
Alluding to the controversies during his primary night address, Platner asked voters for grace. "If you believe, as I do, that we can change our politics and change our country, then you must also believe that people can change," he stated. He also firmly pushed back against some of the more severe claims, telling MS NOW, "There are some allegations in this piece that I just want to be kind of unequivocal about are simply not true."
Senator Collins has already seized on the reports, stating publicly that the allegations against Platner are "extremely troubling and serious." Some local Democratic voters expressed conflict over the nominee's baggage, worrying the political machine in Washington will use the scandals against him. Yet, many remain steadfast in their support, with some voters noting they view the situation as choosing the lesser of two evils to secure the Senate seat.
Meanwhile, on the West Coast, another critical midterm matchup has taken shape. NBC News projects that Republican candidate and former Fox News host Steve Hilton will advance to face Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former Biden cabinet secretary, in the race for California Governor. The British-born Hilton, who carries an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, emphasized his action-oriented platform, stating, "We need a governor that doesn't wish for things, that actually makes things happen." Becerra, shifting his focus to the fall, urged his supporters to stay mobilized, adding, "We hope that folks stay engaged and that we have an even bigger turnout for the November general election."
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By: NBC Palm Springs
June 10, 2026
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