The campaign trail for Maine's Democratic Senate candidate, Graham Platner, initially showed promise.
However, the entry of Governor Janet Mills (D) into the race and the unearthing of some controversial Reddit posts by Platner have cast a shadow over his campaign. According to RedState, these posts included Platner's self-proclaimed communist leanings, derogatory comments about law enforcement officers, and racially insensitive remarks. Furthermore, the revelation of a Nazi-themed tattoo on Platner's chest, which he has since covered up, has added to the controversy.
Despite these issues, Platner's key supporter, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), has remained steadfast in his support. Sanders acknowledged that Platner had experienced a "dark period" after serving four tours of duty and has since apologized for his "stupid and hurtful remarks."
However, Platner is not the only Senate candidate backed by Sanders who is facing scrutiny over past statements. Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive Democrat running for the US Senate in Michigan, has reportedly deleted thousands of old social media posts. These include tweets supporting the "defund the police" movement and describing police as "standing armies." El-Sayed, a former Detroit health director, deleted his social media history before launching his Senate campaign, suggesting a shift away from the "defund" policies that are unpopular with voters.
El-Sayed's deleted tweets, still accessible via the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine, reveal his stance during the 2020 George Floyd riots. He argued for a reevaluation of government funding, suggesting a move away from "racist ideologies" that prioritize "war material for policing" over public health. El-Sayed further advocated for disinvestment in incarceration and lethal force, favoring instead investment in education and community empowerment.
El-Sayed's radical political agenda was further highlighted when he sent a fundraising email on the two-year anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians, failing to mention the attack itself. His pro-Hamas propaganda has been previously reported.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has dubbed El-Sayed the "Michigan Mamdani." Despite these controversies, Sanders endorsed El-Sayed, the unsuccessful 2018 Michigan gubernatorial candidate, in April. Sanders expressed his belief that El-Sayed would stand against "Trumps authoritarianism" and protect democratic values.
El-Sayed also enjoys the support of Democrat Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D), both of whom have been associated with antisemitic statements and actions.
The Democratic primary race also includes Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11) and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow. On the Republican side, former Rep. Mike Rogers (MI-08), who narrowly lost his 2024 Senate race, has received President Trump's endorsement. The primary is scheduled for August 4, 2026. As the race heats up, the candidates' pasts and their ability to address these controversies will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the political landscape.
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