Maine Democratic Senate hopeful Graham Platner is facing scrutiny after CNN highlighted posts he made several years ago on Reddit that expressed sharp criticism of law enforcement and rural white Americans.
Platner, a political newcomer, has emphasized that these comments no longer reflect his current views.
The 41-year-old oyster farmer and military veteran shared the remarks under the username “P-Hustle” between 2020 and 2021.
In the posts, he described himself as a “communist,” condemned police officers with statements such as “Cops are bastards… All of them, in fact” and suggested that some rural Americans supporting President Donald Trump held racist views.
Other deleted posts included references to armed resistance and economic justice.
Addressing the resurfaced material, Platner told CNN that the posts were made during a difficult period in his life and do not reflect his present-day values.
“I don’t want people to see me for who I was in my worst internet comment—or even frankly who I was in my best internet comment … I don’t think any of that is indicative of who I am today,” he said.
He explained that the posts were written out of frustration and disillusionment following his military deployments overseas.
Platner’s background includes multiple tours with the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq and with the Maryland Army National Guard in Afghanistan, where he served as a rifle team leader and machine-gun section leader.
After returning to Maine, he focused on local civic service and entrepreneurship, taking over an oyster farm and operating a diving and mooring service.
Platner also serves as Harbormaster and chair of the Sullivan Planning Board.
The Senate candidate has centered his campaign on working-class issues, advocating for policies he says counter the influence of billionaires in politics and support middle-income Americans.
He emphasizes economic fairness, small business growth and opportunities for Maine residents, according to his campaign website.
Despite criticism over his old posts, Platner maintains the controversy will not derail his campaign.
“I was just trying to find an outlet,” he told Wabi5, describing online debates as a way to process anger and disappointment during a challenging time.
He encouraged voters to consider his current policy positions rather than his prior remarks.
Progressive figures have publicly supported Platner, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders (I), who called him a “great working class candidate” capable of defeating Maine Sen. Susan Collins (R), according to BizPac Review.
Sanders’ endorsement underscores Platner’s alignment with progressive economic platforms, even as the candidate contends with attention on past online commentary.
Other Maine officials have weighed in.
Gov. Janet Mills (D), who is exploring her own Senate bid, expressed disagreement with Platner’s previous comments but said she had not reviewed the full report.
Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau noted that the posts were deleted prior to Platner launching his campaign and encouraged voters to determine their relevance themselves.
Platner also highlighted his personal life as a reflection of his Maine roots.
He married Amy Gertner in 2023 and resides in Sullivan.
He cites his service in the military and in the local community as proof of his commitment to addressing economic inequality and serving working Americans.
Platner emphasized that the posts reflect a confusing period in his past and do not represent his current views, urging voters to focus on his policies and record when assessing his candidacy.
