Maine Democratic candidate Graham Platner promised that he would be "arrested" as a U.S. senator if he wins his election, but Republicans maintain control of the chamber.
Platner held his first campaign event following Maine Gov. Janet Mills' announcement that she would be dropping out of the Democratic primary race, leaving Platner as the presumed nominee for the November election.
Though he expressed confidence that the Democratic Party could regain control of the Senate from Republicans in November, Platner encouraged Democratic senators to push "an element of activism" in their roles by appearing at protests.
GRAHAM PLATNER CLAIMS VOTERS CONCERNED OVER TRANS ATHLETES ARE 'MANIPULATED BY BILLIONAIRES'
"If we don't get the majority," Platner said, "and things continue to get worse, I will promise you that I'm going to be arrested as a United States senator."
The comments resemble previous instances where Democratic politicians have expressed concerns that President Donald Trump would weaponize law enforcement against them.
"I mean, it sounds nuts, but I wouldn't be surprised if this guy threw me in jail," Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said in 2024. "He's out of his mind. I mean, he did his whole first campaign around 'lock her up.' This is his motto."
GRAHAM PLATNER BLAMES NAZI TATTOO ON MILITARY 'CULTURE,' DRAWS BACKLASH FROM GOP VETERANS
Fox News Digital reached out to Platner's campaign for comment.
During the event, Platner reiterated his plans to "shut the White House down," using the Senate's investigatory powers to hinder the Trump administration.
"We haul everyone in the White House under subpoena, day in, day out, in front of Senate committees to answer questions about all the lawbreaking they've been doing," Platner said, adding that there's "a compelling case for the impeachment and removal of at least two" Supreme Court justices.
MICHIGAN DEM REP DECLINES TO SUPPORT PLATNER AFTER RESURFACED RAPE COMMENTS
Platner has run a controversial campaign, including being the subject of many controversies, such as accusations that a tattoo he has resembles a "Totenkopf," a Nazi SS symbol.
He has also faced backlash for several old Reddit posts in which he described himself as a "communist," criticized rape victims and praised a Hamas raid that killed at least five Israeli soldiers.
Platner has repeatedly apologized for his controversies and even apologized for his response to the controversies after using the "r-word" during an interview.
