Breese Reagle, a sandwich shop owner in Biddeford, Maine, is among many Democratic voters who continue to support Senate hopeful Graham Platner despite a series of recent controversies. Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, is seeking to unseat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November midterm elections.

Platner’s campaign has been marked by several contentious revelations in recent weeks. Most recently, it came to light that his wife, Amy Gertner, informed a senior campaign aide that Platner sent sexually explicit text messages to multiple women after their 2023 marriage. This development follows earlier scrutiny over inflammatory Reddit posts from 2013 and a tattoo Platner acknowledged resembled a Nazi symbol, which he attributed to a drunken night with fellow Marines. Platner has since covered the tattoo with a Celtic design and denied any alignment with extremist ideologies, citing his Jewish stepfather and his history of anti-fascist views. He also disavowed past online comments, explaining they were made during a period of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Despite these issues, Platner remains the likely Democratic nominee after his main rival, Maine Governor Janet Mills, suspended her campaign earlier this year. A May poll by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center showed Platner leading in a hypothetical match-up against Collins and enjoying the support of more than three-quarters of likely Democratic voters—figures recorded before the latest allegations surfaced.

Reactions among Democratic voters in southern Maine illustrate a complex dynamic. Many express discomfort or dismay at Platner’s controversies but say these concerns will not deter their vote. Tara Grady-Taylor, a teacher from Saco, expressed sympathy for Gertner’s public response to the sexting allegations and indicated the controversy would not affect her support. Likewise, Anne Morrissey, an educator and mother, dismissed the scandal as an attempt to undermine Platner’s anti-establishment campaign.

Others acknowledge Platner’s flaws but contrast them with what they see as a changed political landscape. Janice Loughlin, a retired teacher from Old Orchard Beach, described being troubled by some of Platner’s past behavior but appeared resigned to the lesser moral standards set by contemporary politics. “President Donald Trump has set the bar so low for anything to do with morality that it doesn’t seem all that horrible,” she said.

However, not all Democratic voters have remained steadfast. A 74-year-old voter from Saco, who spoke anonymously, said the recent revelations led her to withdraw her support, deciding instead to back Collins. Older female Democrats like her have historically played a decisive role in Maine’s elections, and their shifting allegiances could prove critical in November.

Collins, known for her moderate and locally focused approach, has successfully attracted a coalition of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats in the past, securing multiple reelections in the predominantly blue state.

Locals attending a gathering in Old Orchard Beach underscored the ongoing divisions. While a Republican expressed skepticism about Platner’s future campaign prospects, Democrat Heidi Byrd dismissed the sexting scandal as “stupid male behavior” and maintained her support for Platner, emphasizing a desire for political change.

As the race tightens, Platner’s ability to weather these controversies and maintain Democratic unity will be a key factor shaping the election outcome in Maine.