Platner wins Maine Democratic Senate primary, setting up Collins race
Why it matters: The contest could help decide control of the Senate, and Platner advances despite weeks of damaging personal controversies.
Graham Platner won Maine’s Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, sending the military veteran and oyster farmer into a November matchup with Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Platner defeated two longshot rivals, while Gov. Janet Mills remained on the ballot after suspending her campaign in April because of limited financial resources. The race is expected to be one of the most closely watched Senate contests of the midterms as Democrats try to flip the chamber. Platner’s victory came after a bruising stretch marked by scrutiny of past online comments, a tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol, sexually explicit messages and allegations about heavy drinking and violent behavior, which he has disputed.