Why I’m Supporting Platner — Even After His Mistakes

There are moments in politics when the choice in front of us isn’t neat, comfortable, or perfectly aligned with our ideals. This election is one of those moments for me. I’ve never been someone who overlooks poor decisions, especially from people seeking public office. Under normal circumstances, I’d be the first to say, “No, thank you. Accountability matters.”

But these aren’t normal circumstances.

The voters of Maine have spoken, and Platner himself has acknowledged his mistakes—big ones. He hasn’t tried to spin them or bury them. He has said plainly that he made serious errors in judgment and has moved forward in his life. That matters to me. Growth matters. Accountability matters. And the willingness to say, “I was wrong,” matters even more in a political climate where denial has become a political strategy.

So the question becomes: Is that enough to warrant electing him as a senator?

For me, the answer is yes.

Not because his past is irrelevant. Not because I’m suddenly indifferent to the weight of his decisions. But because the bigger picture we’re living in right now demands a different kind of calculation.

We are operating in a political environment shaped by the influence of Donald Trump and enabled by figures like Susan Collins—an environment that many people view as dangerous to democratic norms, institutional stability, and basic truth. When the stakes rise, so does the responsibility to think beyond the individual candidate and consider the broader consequences of who holds power.

Platner is imperfect. Deeply so. But he is not someone who excuses authoritarian behavior, undermines elections, or normalizes extremism. And in this moment, that distinction matters more than ever.

The Policy Contrasts That Matter to Me

Platner’s past is one part of the equation. The other part is the policy direction he supports compared to what we’ve seen from Collins in recent years. These contrasts shape my decision just as much as his personal accountability.

1. Democracy & Election Integrity

• Platner has stated support for strengthening voting access and protecting election systems.

• Collins has taken positions that, in my view, have not consistently pushed back against efforts that undermine trust in elections.

In a climate where democratic norms feel fragile, this difference matters to me.

2. Reproductive Rights

• Platner supports codifying protections for reproductive healthcare at the federal level.

• Collins has taken votes that many believe contributed to the current uncertainty around reproductive rights, including her vote to confirm Supreme Court justices who later overturned Roe v. Wade.

For me, this is not a small policy disagreement — it’s a defining one.

3. Climate & Environmental Policy

• Platner supports stronger federal action on climate change and renewable energy investment.

• Collins has supported some environmental measures but has also voted against major climate legislation that many experts say is necessary.

Given the urgency of climate issues, I want a senator who treats it as a top-tier priority.

4. Economic Policy & Working Families

• Platner supports raising the federal minimum wage and expanding worker protections.

• Collins has opposed several minimum wage increases and has supported tax policies that critics argue disproportionately benefit corporations.

In a time of rising costs, I want leadership that centers working families.

5. LGBTQ+ Protections

• Platner supports federal nondiscrimination protections.

• Collins has supported some LGBTQ+ legislation but has also aligned with her party on measures that advocates say fall short of full equality.

As someone who cares deeply about dignity and fairness, this contrast matters.

The Bigger Picture

Supporting Platner isn’t about pretending his past doesn’t exist. It’s about recognizing that he has owned it, learned from it, and moved forward — something we rarely see in politics anymore. It’s also about recognizing that the alternative is a continuation of a political climate that has already done real damage to the country.

I’m choosing to support the candidate who is flawed but honest about it, imperfect but capable of growth, human but willing to take responsibility. Because the bigger picture demands that we prioritize the health of our democracy over the comfort of a spotless résumé.

Platner isn’t a perfect choice. But in this moment, he is the right one. We are sending money to support his campaign!