Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer announced his endorsement of Graham Platner on June 2, declaring at a Washington news conference that "I have endorsed Graham Platner. We are going to beat Susan Collins and take back the Senate." Schumer declined to offer additional comment following the statement.
Platner, a former Marine who has worked as an oyster farmer, is widely expected to win the Democratic primary in Maine on June 9 and become the party's nominee to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. The contest is regarded by Democrats as essential to their ambitions of regaining control of the Senate in the November midterm elections; Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the chamber.
Platner's campaign has been dogged by several controversies in recent weeks. Multiple news outlets have reported that he sent sexually explicit text messages to several women. Those reports followed earlier revelations about controversial internet posts and attention to a tattoo that critics said resembled a Nazi insignia.
Platner has issued apologies for the internet posts. He has also said he was unaware of any Nazi connections to the tattoo and has had it covered. Platner's campaign did not respond to a request for comment on the recent reports.
Schumer's endorsement came despite Platner's absence from the leader's news conference. Politico reported that Platner was scheduled to hold fundraising events in Washington while in the area.
Another notable development in the Maine Democratic field is the situation involving Governor Janet Mills. Mills suspended her campaign in April but told local media on Monday that her name remained on the ballot for the June 9 primary. Schumer had initially supported Mills before shifting his backing.
Context and implications: The endorsement by the Senate leader signals national Democratic commitment to the Maine contest even as the nominee faces personal controversies. The outcome of the June 9 primary will determine whether Platner officially becomes the nominee to challenge Collins this fall.