Can Susan Collins Defy Political Gravity Again
The NBC Politics Desk newsletter discusses the prospects for Senator Susan Collins in Maine. Analysts weigh her history of crossing party lines against current electoral headwinds.
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campaign
50 sources grouped by AFBytes in Politics
AFBytes briefing
Senate races in competitive states shape the balance of power in Congress, which directly affects legislation on taxes, healthcare, and federal spending that reaches households nationwide.
Key entities
- Maine
- Platner
- Graham
- Graham Platner
- Maine Senate
- Platner's
- Bernie Sanders
- Collins
- Democratic Maine Senate
- Maine Democratic Senate
- Susan Collins
- Watch
What to watch next
- Track early fundraising reports and primary filing deadlines for the 2026 Maine Senate contest.
- Monitor early polling averages after Labor Day for shifts in voter preference.
- Monitor polling and fundraising reports through the fall campaign cycle for shifts in voter coalitions.
- Maine Democratic primary filing deadlines and subsequent polling will show whether the episode affects other candidates.
- Monitor polling in the Maine Senate primary and any statements from major donors or party leaders on foreign policy alignment.
Maine Senate race leaves some Jewish voters politically homeless
Maine's Senate race between Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson is drawing attention from Jewish voters who feel politically displaced by differing positions on Israel.
Maine Senate race leaves some Jewish voters politically homeless
Maine's Senate race pits Republican Susan Collins against Democrat Troy Jackson. Some Jewish voters feel politically homeless over differing stances on Israel.
Bernie Sanders stands by endorsement of Maine candidate despite assault claims
Senator Bernie Sanders defended his earlier endorsement of a former Maine Senate candidate who left the race after assault allegations. Sanders stated he has no regrets about the support.
Maine Senate Hopeful Troy Jackson Draws Criticism Over AIPAC Remarks
Troy Jackson has shifted focus from economic issues to sharp criticism of AIPAC and use of the term genocide in recent statements. The remarks have prompted reactions within segments of the Jewish co…
Platner strategist admits past issues should have disqualified candidate
Graham Platner's campaign strategist told Ezra Klein that Reddit posts and allegations should have disqualified the candidate. The admission highlights vetting failures in the Maine Senate race. The …
Transgender Maine Senate Candidate Faces Online Backlash
Maine Senate candidate Ashley Webb pointed to songwriting credentials during a debate, drawing online criticism and viral attention.
Maine Senate race candidate faces health crisis questions
Dr. Nirav Shah is under scrutiny for his record managing a deadly Legionnaires disease outbreak while serving in Illinois. Senator Tammy Duckworth has publicly opposed his candidacy for the open Main…
Maine Senate candidate suspends race over assault claims
Maine Democrat Graham Platner has suspended his campaign for the U.S. Senate after facing sexual assault allegations. Platner had positioned himself as a critic of Israel during his run.
Valli Geiger eyed for Maine Senate run after Platner call
Valli Geiger, a Rockland Democrat and former nurse, has drawn attention after Graham Platner encouraged her Senate candidacy.
Patrick Dempsey rules out Maine Senate run
Patrick Dempsey stated he will not run for the U.S. Senate in Maine. He had considered the possibility after receiving multiple inquiries about a candidacy.
Maine Democrat Says Platner Excluded From Replacement Selection
Maine Democratic officials stated that Senate candidate Graham Platner will play no role in selecting a potential replacement. Devon Murphy-Anderson conveyed the party's position directly. The announ…
Democrats drop Platner after sexual assault allegation
Democratic leaders withdrew support from Senate candidate Graham Platner after a sexual assault allegation surfaced. The decision came during the Maine campaign. The move leaves the party's nominatio…
Dems face backlash over Platner endorsements after allegations
Several prominent progressive Democrats endorsed Graham Platner for Senate before sexual assault allegations surfaced. The endorsements have drawn renewed attention and criticism.
Graham Platner Maine Senate dropout calls
A Democratic candidate for Senate in Maine is under pressure to withdraw following earlier disclosures about a Nazi tattoo and anti-Israel positions.
Graham Platner tax agenda faces Maine scrutiny
Graham Platner has proposed higher taxes and Green New Deal-style programs as part of his platform. Analysts note these measures could increase costs for Maine residents already facing high living ex…
Bill Maher backs Platner for Maine Senate despite scandals
Bill Maher recommended that Maine voters elect Graham Platner for Senate even while describing some of the candidate’s past issues as concerning.
Activists admit vetting missed Platner tattoo issue
Activists backing the Maine Senate candidate stated that standard checks did not surface the tattoo or earlier Reddit comments. The admission came during ongoing campaign scrutiny.
Maine Senate race draws comparison to past election
A daily politics newsletter examined structural similarities between Maine's Senate race and another recent major contest. The piece drew on reporting from the NBC News politics team.
Graham Platner Senate campaign troubles Democrats in Maine
Democrats are concerned about scandals surrounding Graham Platner's Senate campaign in Maine. Party strategists differ on the best approach to the situation.
Graham Platner Maine voter support test
Graham Platner is preparing to learn whether Maine voters will continue to support his candidacy in the current electoral cycle.
Pennsylvania Democrat says Maine candidate disqualified
A Pennsylvania Democratic representative publicly stated that the Maine Senate candidate has disqualified himself due to mounting allegations. The combat veteran faces scrutiny ahead of the race.
Democrats Face New Controversy in Maine Senate Primary
Democrats are confronting renewed difficulties in Maine's Senate primary following a new controversy. The episode has added anxiety to the party's path in the state.
Democratic senators meet Maine Senate candidate
Democratic senators held a closed-door session with Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner and voiced support while questions about alleged conduct remained.
Graham Platner meets Democratic senators amid controversy
Graham Platner traveled to Washington to meet with Democratic senators while facing fresh questions about his candidacy.
Graham Platner meets Democrats on Capitol Hill after sexting reports
Graham Platner conducted pre-scheduled meetings with Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill while addressing leaked messages tied to a sexting controversy.
schumer avoids questions on maine senate candidate
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer declined to discuss controversies surrounding Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner during a press gaggle. The exchange occurred on Tuesday.
Graham Platner sexting incident draws scrutiny
Graham Platner, running against Senator Susan Collins, encountered renewed attention over past personal messages. His campaign has urged focus on policy rather than personal conduct.
Schiff withholds comment on Platner allegations
Sen. Adam Schiff stated he needs more information before addressing allegations against Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner. The candidate visited Washington while facing scrutiny.
Maine Democratic Senate candidate faces text scandal
Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner in Maine is responding to reports of sexually explicit text messages sent to several women.
Maine Democrat Mills affirms Senate ballot status amid controversy
Maine Governor Janet Mills is reminding voters she is still running for Senate despite surrounding political controversy.
Graham Platner criticizes Pete Hegseth over war comments
Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner targeted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in recent remarks. The comments focus on motivations behind foreign policy decisions.
maine senate candidate skips msnbc interview
MSNBC host Eugene Daniels stated that Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner withdrew from a scheduled appearance after a sexting scandal emerged.
Graham Platner calls sexting reports journalistic malpractice
Graham Platner accused outlets of journalistic malpractice for coverage of alleged sexting. The candidate is running as a Democrat for U.S. Senate in Maine.
Graham Platner faces backlash over explicit messages
Graham Platner is encountering backlash after reports of sexually explicit messages sent to multiple recipients. The issue is complicating his frontrunner status in the Maine Senate contest.
Graham Platner faces backlash over explicit messages
Graham Platner encountered criticism after his wife reported explicit messages sent to others during the campaign. Details continue to surface ahead of the Senate primary.
Graham Platner sexting scandal Maine Senate campaign
Graham Platner is dealing with a reported sexting scandal during his Senate campaign in Maine. The story has added to existing campaign turmoil. Public details remain limited to the initial reports.
Cory Booker raises issues with Graham Platner Senate bid
Cory Booker discussed concerns about Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner on a national news program.
Cory Booker voices concerns over Platner in Maine Senate contest
Cory Booker indicated concerns about information emerging on a contender in the Maine Senate race. The remarks highlight the intensity of candidate scrutiny.
Maine Senate Candidate Faces Scrutiny Over Explicit Texts
Graham Platner, the leading Democratic candidate for Senate in Maine, is facing increased examination over reports of sexually explicit text messages.
Graham Platner wife addresses scandals criticism
Graham Platner drew online criticism after his wife addressed controversies surrounding his campaign. Observers questioned the decision to have a spouse handle public responses.
Graham Platner wife reacts to sexting disclosure reports
The wife of Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner stated she is angry and disappointed that past disclosures about his extramarital sexting became public. Reports indicate she had previous…
Graham Platner Faces New Texts Controversy in Maine Senate Bid
Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, is dealing with a new controversy involving text messages reported by the Wall Street Journal and New York Times.
Graham Platner Maine Senate campaign ends amid scandal
Sexual misconduct revelations have ended Graham Platner's campaign for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine.
Graham Platner campaign faces explicit texts controversy
The candidate has encountered fresh criticism tied to explicit past communications and earlier controversies during the Maine Senate race.
Murphy defends Platner amid Reddit posts backlash
Senator Chris Murphy expressed support for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner despite resurfaced Reddit posts. Murphy argued that the candidate's focus on everyday concerns resonates with voters.
Maine Senate Candidate Platner Refuses Apology Over Soldier Post
Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner was confronted about a social media post mocking a soldier. He declined to apologize to the Purple Heart recipient or to voters.
Graham Platner mocked wounded US soldier in old post
Graham Platner, running as a Democrat for Senate in Maine, is under fire for a 2017 social media post that mocked an American soldier wounded by Taliban fire. The comment resurfaced during his curren…
Maine Senate Candidate Faces Reddit Post Scrutiny
New reports surfaced detailing past Reddit posts by Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner that described explicit content and personal activities. The revelations prompted renewed scrutiny of his can…
Maine Democrat Platner Rejects Schumer Leadership Backing
Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner refuses to support Chuck Schumer as Senate Democratic leader despite party unity behind a Collins challenger. Platner maintains his stance after a conve…