Graham Platner, who was a leading candidate in Maine's Senate race before withdrawing due to sexual misconduct allegations, has been observed working as an oysterman. The New York Post caught up with Platner in Sullivan, Maine, where he was seen returning to shore after a day on the water.
When approached by reporters a week before the midterm election, Platner responded with curt remarks. "Who the f—k are you weirdos?" he asked. When asked about his current occupation, he stated, "What the f—k does it look like I’m up to? I’m being an oyster farmer."
Platner, who had cultivated a working-class image during his campaign, previously admitted to sexting but denied other accusations, including claims of violence and sexual assault. He had suggested his campaign's downfall was a conspiracy against his message. His campaign imploded in July after a series of allegations surfaced.
His campaign had presented him as a son of privilege who attended a prestigious prep school, and it was later revealed that his oyster farming client was primarily his mother's restaurant. Platner had largely stayed out of the public eye since dropping out of the race.
Neighbors in Sullivan described Platner as having returned to being a "regular person." The owner of a local deli, which features a sandwich named after Platner, noted that he seemed healthier and that things were "back to normal." However, some residents expressed disappointment. "He's not a favorite around here. Especially with the women," one local fruit seller commented.
Another voter, Allan Flye, stated he might have voted for Platner if not for the "negativity" surrounding the allegations. Platner's campaign had at one point polled seven points ahead of incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. Following Platner's withdrawal, state Sen. Troy Jackson replaced him on the ballot, but recent polls indicate a much closer race, with Jackson leading Collins by less than two points.
Prior to the sexual misconduct allegations, Platner also faced scrutiny for a tattoo of a Nazi Death's Head symbol on his chest, which he later had covered. He claimed to have gotten the tattoo unknowingly while with fellow Marines and attributed alarming online comments to PTSD. His campaign had initially positioned him as a symbol of a new political movement, but the allegations significantly altered his public image.