Susan Collins GOP Primary Has Been Called

The oyster farmer has been forced to defend himself recently due to growing controversy and unfavorable headlines.

The race is one of a few that could decide whether the GOP maintains its narrow Senate majority in the midterm elections.

Among his many progressive policy stances, Platner, on his campaign website, urges “passing a constitutional amendment to ban billionaires buying elections!”

And he highlights that he’s “a strong supporter of a Medicare for All system” and that he “will support a path to citizenship and an end to the mass deportation machine.”

Asked if Platner is too far to the left for voters in her northern New England state, Collins responded in a Fox News interview, “I believe that will be the conclusion of Maine voters. But, obviously, I don’t take anything for granted.”

Democrats see Maine as a crucial pickup opportunity in the 2026 midterms as they aim to win back the Senate majority in the fall.

Numerous controversies have also embroiled Platner.

Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer and Marine veteran, is facing a firestorm of allegations.

Platner has been dogged by revelations involving explicit texts to other women during his marriage, a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, inflammatory old Reddit posts, and accusations from ex-girlfriends of demeaning and physically threatening conduct.