Maine Republican Says Democrats Are “Selling Their Soul” to Defeat Susan Collins

Maine Republican state Sen. Trey Stewart is criticizing Democrats for defending state Senate candidate Graham Platner, saying the party is “selling their soul” and drifting toward a “dangerous place” if Platner wins a seat in November. Stewart made the comments to Fox News Digital amid growing scrutiny of Platner, a Democrat and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who has become the party’s likely nominee to challenge five-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

Platner has faced backlash over deleted social media posts in which he described himself as a “communist” and “socialist,” used alleged homophobic slurs, and made comments that critics say were anti-military, racist, misogynistic, and bigoted. Republicans have argued that the posts reveal a pattern of extremism and poor judgment, while supporters have continued to back his campaign focused on progressive economic issues such as taxing billionaires and lowering costs for working-class families.

Stewart said he believes Collins remains well positioned to win in Maine, which he described as a “middle-of-the-road” state that does not reward candidates at either extreme. He argued that Platner’s platform and past comments will not appeal to the broader electorate, despite polls showing the challenger with momentum. Stewart pointed to Collins’ long record of statewide victories and said voters in Maine typically reject both far-right and far-left politics.

This is not the first time Collins has faced a strong progressive challenger. In 2020, she trailed former Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon in several polls before ultimately winning re-election in one of the most expensive Senate races in state history. Stewart said he expects a similar outcome this year, rejecting the idea that Platner’s campaign reflects the political mood of the state.

Platner’s past Reddit posts have become a central issue in the race. One post from June 2019 drew particular attention after he mocked a video of Purple Heart veteran Teddy Daniels being shot during a 2012 clash with Taliban fighters, writing that Daniels “didn’t deserve to live.” Platner has not publicly apologized or expressed regret for that comment, according to Fox News Digital’s report, and Republicans say he has not adequately explained the full extent of his deleted online remarks.

Stewart said Platner should be apologizing to the people he insulted rather than seeking higher office. He argued that the Senate is beyond the reach of someone with such a record and said Platner needs help rather than a seat in Washington.

The controversy has intensified as Democrats search for a candidate to oppose Collins after Gov. Janet Mills ended her Senate campaign last month. Platner is now considered the presumptive Democratic nominee ahead of the June 9 primary. The race is shaping up as a closely watched contest in a state that has often resisted national political extremes, with Collins relying on her moderate image and long tenure as Democrats face pressure to unify behind a candidate under fire.