Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner’s Controversial Social Media Past

A recent social media post has resurfaced, revealing that Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the Senate in Maine, openly discussed his history of using hard drugs during military leave, stating he feels “no regrets” about those experiences.

Platner, who is a veteran of both the Marine Corps and the Army National Guard, shared on Reddit in 2020 under the username P-Hustle. He recounted using drugs and “partying” while backpacking in Spain while on military leave, even confessing to buying cocaine.

In one of his posts from July 2020, Platner wrote, “I always wonder what street you buy your cocaine on, because that’s not the street I buy it on.”

The Marine Corps has strict regulations against drug use, threatening service members with expulsion and prosecution for breaching these rules.

Adding to the scrutiny, Platner’s online history was further tainted by an alleged extramarital affair during his time abroad.

As noted in a memo from the Marine Corps, “Any Marine found using or selling drugs while in the battalion will be prosecuted under the law” and face separation from the service.

It’s uncertain whether Platner informed his superiors about his drug use; however, he did acknowledge using substances while being compensated by the Marine Corps. He mentioned in a post that it took him two months to “end his life” while on combat leave, noting the significant income he made while engaged in leisure activities, such as backpacking through Europe and enjoying hostels across the continent.

“I highly recommend it. I don’t regret it,” he concluded.

Given that Platner started his studies at George Washington University in 2008, it’s likely this backpacking trip occurred when he was around 24 years old. His admissions have, unsurprisingly, placed him and his campaign on the defensive. The Maine Democratic Party is facing increasing pressure regarding his candidacy amid these revelations.

New platforms have sprung up, expanding on the scandal and indicating that there are “one red flag after another” concerning Platner’s campaign.

Initially highlighted by The Washington Free Beacon, Platner’s past Reddit posts included derogatory remarks about rural Americans and controversial views on government systems, adding layers of complexity to his candidacy. Despite these issues, polls still indicate that Platner is performing well against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, although such surveys have often underestimated his support in the past.