A Democratic Senate candidate’s deleted posts reveal shocking rhetoric, raising serious questions about his suitability.

Graham Platner’s Controversial Online Posts

Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, has come under fire after CNN’s KFILE uncovered a series of deleted online posts. These posts, made prior to his campaign launch, included self-identification as a “communist” and derogatory remarks about police and rural White Americans. The revelations have ignited debates about transparency and judgment, crucial factors for a candidate in a high-stakes Senate race.

Platner’s decision to delete these posts immediately before launching his campaign suggests an attempt to manage public image. This act has raised questions about his transparency and suitability for office, especially given the inflammatory nature of the comments. Such rhetoric is particularly sensitive in a predominantly rural, majority-White state like Maine, where independent and moderate political leanings are the norm.

Political and Public Reactions

The impact of the revelations was swift, with EMILYs List, a major Democratic political action committee, issuing a statement emphasizing the importance of candidate viability. They endorsed Janet Mills, Maine’s Democratic Governor, as the preferred candidate to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. This reaction highlights the internal party dynamics and the strategic decision to back a candidate more likely to win.

Graham Platner, the Maine Democrat running for Senate as a rugged, independent-minded “oyster man,” just had his Reddit posts exposed by @KFILE.

He called himself a Communist, who owns guns bc he doesn’t trust “fascists,” called cops “bastards,” and said rural Whites are stupid. pic.twitter.com/gOX17vXK3g

— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) October 16, 2025

The response underscores the critical nature of this Senate race, which could shift the balance of power in Washington. The controversy surrounding Platner’s posts has the potential to consolidate support around Mills, influencing the Democratic primary dynamics and possibly affecting voter turnout.

Long-term Implications and Analysis

The controversy surrounding Platner’s deleted posts may have far-reaching implications. In the short term, it could damage his campaign, leading to loss of support or even withdrawal. Long-term, this situation could intensify scrutiny of candidates’ digital histories and increase the emphasis on opposition research in political campaigns. Such incidents highlight the enduring impact of digital footprints and the challenges candidates face in managing past online behavior.

The story also raises broader questions about acceptable political rhetoric and the importance of vetting candidates thoroughly before they enter major races. As political campaigns continue to navigate the digital age, the ability to effectively manage and respond to past online activities will remain a critical skill for candidates.

Sources:

EMILYs List official statement

Video summary of the controversy