Gov. Janet Mills of Maine is ramping up her campaign for the Senate with a notably aggressive ad targeting her opponent, Graham Platner. As the race for the Democratic nomination heats up ahead of the upcoming primary, Mills has opted for a sharp, negative approach that directly highlights controversies surrounding Platner.
The ad reveals two key issues from Platner’s past. One centers around disturbing comments he made regarding sexual consent, which resurfaced from a Reddit post dating back ten years. The other concerns a tattoo on his chest that has drawn comparisons to a Nazi symbol. The Mills campaign is clearly attempting to capitalize on this baggage as they look to sway voters in her favor.
The timing of this ad comes as Platner, a U.S. Marine and local oyster farmer, is gaining traction in the polls. Recent data suggests he has a considerable lead over Mills as they approach the critical primary in less than three months. Platner’s connection to progressive figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders positions him well within the party’s base, which may be rallying behind his candidacy in response to growing frustrations with current leadership.
Mills’ ad isn’t shy about highlighting Platner’s controversial remarks. The commercial features women reacting negatively to his statements, labeling them as “horrible,” “disgusting,” and “disqualifying.” The portrayal is striking—an attempt to frame Platner not just as an opponent but as unfit for the position due to his past comments. Platner himself has acknowledged his missteps from years ago, saying in a viral apology video, “I am deeply sorry” for the offense he caused with his outdated remarks.
Moreover, Mills’ strategy of airing the tattoo controversy adds another layer to her opposition research. The ad closes with a powerful visual of Platner shirtless, exposing the tattoo while a voiceover claims, “The closer you look, the worse it gets.” This closing argument is visceral, aiming to leave an indelible impression about Platner’s character.
As the campaign progresses, Mills appears to be shifting from a more passive role to actively confronting her rival’s political past. Platner’s campaign, on the other hand, is portraying Mills’ ad as a desperate attempt to hold onto relevance, with campaign manager Ben Chin expressing concerns about the ethics of personal attacks in political races. Chin has argued that the public tends to grow weary of such tactics, stating, “It’s why people hate politics.” He insists that Mainers should not be quick to judge Platner purely based on comments he made online a decade ago.
This race highlights the growing tensions within the Democratic Party and brings into focus how critical it is for candidates to navigate the landscape of public perception and past mistakes. With Collins considered a vulnerable incumbent, Democrats understand this primary contest can significantly impact their hopes of flipping the Senate seat. As the election calendar inches closer, the stakes are high for both Mills and Platner as they vie for the chance to challenge Collins in the general election.
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