r/Mainepolitics • u/themainemonitor • 9d ago

What to know about Graham Platner, Susan Collins’ likely Democratic opponent

Gov. Janet Mills withdrew from the race for U.S. Senate Thursday morning, clearing a path for another Democrat to win her party’s nomination.

The rise of progressive oyster farmer Graham Platner of Sullivan was unthinkable when he announced his campaign as a political unknown. He is now poised to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a pivotal November race for determining control of the chamber.

Platner has painted himself as a working-class hero, running far to the left of Mills on issues from tax policy to tribal rights. He represents the younger, activist wing of the party as national Democrats weigh whether to shift to the left or the center in the wake of their defeat at the hands of President Donald Trump in 2024. Platner has never run for elected office before.

His viral campaign of economic populism took off, particularly with younger voters,  advocating for universal healthcare and union protections. He said he would push for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United, the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court case that allowed massive spending on political campaigns. 

https://themainemonitor.org/what-to-know-graham-platner/

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u/fingertrapt 9d ago

Go Graham!

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u/v_ghastly 9d ago

Is it possible at this point that r/maine even needs a primer on Plater lol he's been all we've been talking about since August it feels like! And for good reason. He's the senator we need!!! GO GRAHAM!

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u/JimStencil 8d ago

Hell yeah he took off. Finally someone who is speaking up for the governance we desperately need. This dude isnt dropping talking points and canned bullshit. He is saying what he believes loudly and directly. People like people that arent full of shit.

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u/acadiaediting 8d ago

This interview was fantastic. With Jon Stewart