Key facts
- Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner held a press conference to address a negative ad from Gov. Janet Mills' campaign.
- Platner briefly apologized for past remarks, stating they do not represent the man he is today.
- Platner's allies, including Sophia Khalid, Rep. Valli Geiger, David Sullivan, Megan Smith, Rep. Gary Friedmann, and Rebecca Hartwell, defended him and criticized the ad.
- Platner also promoted the Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition (MIRC), an anti-ICE group whose board members have been linked to a congressional fraud investigation.
- Platner was previously replaced in the Senate race following a sexual assault allegation.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner held a press conference flanked by supporters to address a negative ad from Gov. Janet Mills' campaign. Platner, who was replaced in the Senate race following a sexual assault allegation, largely let allies speak on his behalf.
Community Activist Sophia Khalid framed the ad as divisive politics, while Rep. Valli Geiger defended Platner, citing his personal transformation and support for legislation. David Sullivan of the International Association of Machinists called the ad a "desperate and shameful" example of negative campaigning. Community organizer Megan Smith and Rep. Gary Friedmann also spoke in support of Platner, emphasizing his connection with voters and character.
Volunteer Rebecca Hartwell described the controversy as a struggle against a political system resistant to change. Platner briefly addressed the issue himself, apologizing for past remarks he found horrifying and stating they do not reflect the man he is today. He also urged supporters to donate to the Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition (MIRC), an anti-ICE group whose board members have been named persons of interest in a congressional fraud investigation.
The Hancock County Democratic Party had initially shared information about Platner's event but later deleted social media posts, though the event remained listed on their website. Outside groups supporting Sen. Susan Collins have attempted to link Platner's former endorsement of Jackson to Jackson himself.