REPORT: Democratic primary explodes as governor targets rival’s past comments on sexual assault

March 17, 2026

Two Maine Democrats are in a heated race in an effort to topple moderate Republican Sen. Susan Collins and flip the Senate blue. A fiery fight is breaking out between Democrat candidates Maine Gov. Janet Mills, 78, and military veteran Graham Platner, 41.

From Fox News: Gov. Janet Mills of Maine on Tuesday launched a blistering negative ad that takes aim at twin controversies surrounding Graham Platner, her formidable rival for the Democratic Senate nomination in the crucial 2026 race to face off against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

The ad features women reacting to comments Platner made over a decade ago on Reddit about rape, and it also points to a tattoo on his chest that resembled a Nazi symbol.

The Mills ad comes as Platner, a U.S. Marine and Army veteran and oyster farmer, who has the backing of progressive champion Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, is gaining momentum. According to recent polls, Platner holds a large lead over the governor with less than three months until Maine’s primary.

Democrats view Collins as vulnerable as she seeks a sixth six-year term in the Senate in the left-leaning Northern New England state, and the race is considered a must win for Democrats as they try to claw back the chamber’s majority from the GOP in this year’s midterms.

Below is the ad Mills just released against Platner:

Platner responded to the attack by re-posting a video he first released in October.

“Back in October, when my past internet comments resurfaced, I read through them. I was horrified and did not recognize the man on the other side of the posts. I shared my thoughts and apologies here directly with Mainers. And I’ve been talking with Mainers every day since, at town halls across the state. I’m eternally grateful for the people of Maine who welcomed me home, made me the man I am today, and have now built this beautiful campaign alongside me,” he wrote.

Back in October, when my past internet comments resurfaced, I read through them. I was horrified and did not recognize the man on the other side of the posts.

I shared my thoughts and apologies here directly with Mainers. And I’ve been talking with Mainers every day since, at… https://t.co/QrK1Hzn1Qf

— Graham Platner for Senate (@grahamformaine) March 17, 2026