A Democratic Senate candidate in Maine called for sweeping changes to the U.S. Supreme Court, including expanding its size and impeaching sitting justices.
Graham Platner made the remarks during a local Democratic Party meeting in Skowhegan, arguing that the Court has become too conservative despite it ruling against Trump multiple times since his reelection.
Calls to expand and challenge the Court
Speaking to party activists, Platner said Democrats should consider “stacking” the Supreme Court — adding additional justices — in order to counter what he described as ideological imbalance. He also suggested that the Senate should explore impeachment for “at least two” current justices, though he did not specify which ones or outline detailed legal grounds.
News – Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner says Democrats should be ready to impeach two Supreme Court justices. pic.twitter.com/LLqPxiFFeS
— Political Polls (@PpollingNumbers) April 7, 2026
Platner argued that Democrats have not fully used the powers available to them when they hold a Senate majority, and said that if the party regains control of the chamber, it should take more aggressive steps regarding the judiciary.
His campaign has not formally outlined a detailed plan for restructuring the Court, and representatives did not respond to requests for clarification following his remarks.
Political context and primary dynamics
The comments could complicate Platner’s bid to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the 2026 election. Collins, a moderate Republican, has historically drawn support from a broad coalition of voters in Maine.
Platner also faces competition in the Democratic primary, including from Janet Mills. While Mills has criticized the Court’s conservative majority, she has not endorsed expanding the Court or impeaching justices, creating a potential divide within the primary field.
Broader campaign rhetoric
At other campaign stops the same day, Platner criticized the Trump administration, describing it as authoritarian and preemptively accusing him of election interference.
He also pointed to issues such as climate change as major long-term challenges, though he suggested that current political conditions have become a more immediate concern.
Past statements resurface
Platner’s campaign is also under scrutiny over past online comments. During a town hall in Bucksport, he was confronted about a 2013 post in which he made controversial remarks about sexual assault victims. Platner apologized, saying the comments reflected a narrow perspective he held at the time and acknowledging that there was “no excuse” for them.
He also referred to Jesus as a zombie and the Virgin Mary as a “skank.” Other past posts, including statements critical of rural voters, law enforcement, and political ideology, have also resurfaced and could present challenges as the campaign progresses.
Electoral outlook
Early polling suggests Platner faces an uphill battle in the general election, particularly if his past statements and recent comments about the Supreme Court gain more traction.
His remarks nevertheless highlight a broader debate within the Democratic Party about how to confront the judiciary, with a growing contingent of his party echoing his stance despite being considered radical throughout most of American history.
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Bo who who, the court won’t let us have our way
What’s the point of having a court if it is based one way or another. This is just plain power to appointed people. Useless, no point in even having a court. Has nothing to do with “democracy, justice or following the constitution.
How low can government sink?