Graham Platner Explains Old ‘Communist’ Reddit Comments

After old comments from the Maine Senate candidate resurfaced, Platner clarified what he calls the ‘dumbest thing’ he ever wrote.

Graham Platner, a Marine and U.S. Army veteran turned oyster farmer, is running as a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, hoping to win his party’s nomination and challenge for Susan Collins' seat in November 2026.

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Platner is addressing old Reddit posts he made four years ago, where he called himself a socialist-turned-communist.

In a video shared on October 17th, Platner said those comments, which included controversial statements reported by CNN, came from ‘an earlier part’ of his life and no longer reflect his views.

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The Democratic candidate has apologized for his past Reddit comments, calling them ‘the dumbest thing’ he ever wrote and saying they do not reflect who he is today.

Platner explained that after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, he struggled with PTSD and depression, turned to online communities during that time, and now wants to be judged on the person he’s become.

Platner is part of a crowded Democratic primary field that also includes Governor Janet Mills, who announced her run for the U.S. Senate on October 14th, 2025.

The primary is set for June 9th, 2026, with the general election scheduled for November 3rd, 2026, though incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins has not yet said if she will seek a sixth term.

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And there you have it—Graham Platner is taking accountability and addressing his previous comments posted on Reddit.

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