AUGUSTA, Maine – A new campaign ad released by Janet Mills’ (D) U.S. Senate campaign features an Army veteran and rape survivor delivering a blunt and emotional rebuke of Republican candidate Graham Platner (D), marking the latest escalation in a race increasingly defined by Platner’s past online comments.
In the ad, identified only as “Betsy E.,” the veteran speaks directly to the camera, recounting her personal experience and condemning Platner’s past remarks about rape survivors, comments that resurfaced from Reddit and have drawn sharp criticism from Mills and her allies in recent weeks.
The Mills campaign has released a series of ads targeting Platner over the Reddit posts, which critics say suggested women could avoid rape by acting differently. Those remarks have become a central issue in the race, with Mills’ campaign seeking to keep the controversy front and center as voters begin to focus more closely on the contest.
The latest ad is among the most emotionally charged ads released so far.
In the ad, Betsy E. delivers a stark message, tying her own experience to the broader debate over Platner’s comments.
“I proudly served the United States Army, and I was raped. For all women who have ever been raped, the pain never goes away” “The rapists are to blame, not women like me.” Graham Platner is unacceptable.”
The Mills campaign has leaned heavily into highlighting Platner’s past online statements, releasing multiple ads and statements in recent days focused on the resurfaced Reddit posts. Those posts, which have circulated widely online and in political circles, have quickly become one of the defining flashpoints of the race.
Platner has faced growing scrutiny over the comments, with critics arguing they reflect deeply troubling views about sexual assault victims. Mills’ campaign has positioned the issue as a question of character and judgment, using survivor testimony and emotional appeals to underscore the impact of such statements.
The Senate race itself is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political contests in Maine and around the country, drawing increasing attention as both sides ramp up messaging and begin defining their opponents early.
Until recently, much of the early focus of the race centered on policy and party alignment. However, the resurfacing of Platner’s past Reddit comments has shifted the tone sharply, with the Mills campaign seizing on the controversy to frame the race around personal conduct and respect for survivors.
The release of the Betsy E. ad signals a continuation of that strategy, using personal testimony and emotionally powerful messaging to keep pressure on Platner and reinforce the narrative that his past statements remain disqualifying.
With additional ads expected and both campaigns intensifying outreach, the controversy surrounding Platner’s past comments is likely to remain a dominant theme in the weeks ahead, setting the stage for a Senate race increasingly defined not just by policy differences, but by character and personal history.
Yes, he is still that person an angry man who is a racist as well. Just another hater
I don’t understand where Platner is getting his millions of dollars for tv ads. He’s spending more than everyone else combined. Ads on ABC aren’t cheap unless Disney/Hearst doesn’t charge Dems for ads.