Maine Republican state Sen. Trey Stewart is sounding alarm bells over the Democratic Party’s support for Senate candidate Graham Platner. He argues that the party’s direction is troubling and could lead to dangerous consequences if Platner wins a Senate seat in November. During an interview with Fox News Digital, Stewart noted the mounting criticism against Platner, including his past social media posts where he identified as a “communist” and made derogatory remarks about the military.
Stewart articulated his concerns clearly: “The voters care a lot.” He cautioned that Platner, while currently gaining traction among liberal Democrats, may not resonate with the broader electorate. He described him as a “flash in the pan” fueled by those solely focused on defeating incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who he believes will ultimately prevail. Stewart emphasized that Maine voters tend to reject extreme candidates, regardless of their political affiliations.
“Susan Collins, who is one of, if not the most influential votes in the United States Senate,” Stewart stated, highlighting her significant role in both Maine’s political landscape and the Senate as a whole. He remains confident in her ability to win despite polling that shows Platner with a slight lead, asserting that the Platner campaign is “not going to work” because it does not align with the values of Maine’s electorate.
Stewart’s comments reflect broader concerns within the Republican Party regarding the Democratic Party’s current trajectory. He criticized the party’s decision to support a candidate like Platner and labeled it “embarrassing,” suggesting it exposes deeper issues within the party. “This is where the Democrat party is… with the most extreme sort of tail-wagging-the-dog effect,” he said, warning that it could usher in a perilous phase for both the party and the nation.
Platner himself has come under fire for his controversial Reddit posts, where he mocked a video of a decorated Purple Heart veteran during a violent encounter. Despite the scrutiny, he has not publicly apologized nor retracted those statements, which has drawn criticism not only from Republicans but also from some in his party. Stewart insisted that Platner’s behavior is not fit for a Senate seat, asserting, “He really just needs help. He doesn’t need a seat in the United States Senate.”
As the landscape for this Senate race evolves, one thing is clear: Stewart believes the outcome will hinge on how Maine voters perceive the candidates’ values and integrity. With Collins’ track record and the mounting scrutiny of Platner, the next months will reveal just how much sway extreme positions will hold in the election.
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