Graham Platner Wins Democratic Senate Nomination, Will Challenge Republican Susan Collins in November

Graham Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer and combat veteran from Sullivan, won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Maine on Tuesday, defeating a field that included former Governor Janet Mills.

With 46% of precincts reporting, Platner had secured more than 70% of the vote, prompting the Associated Press to call the race shortly after 9:20 p.m. David Costello, a former government official from Brunswick, earned approximately 8% of the vote. Andrea LaFlamme, an adjunct professor and labor leader running a write-in campaign, placed fourth.

The primary became largely procedural after Mills suspended her campaign in late April. Though her name remained on the ballot, she captured fewer than one in five votes. Mills, who was recruited by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, entered the race last fall but trailed badly in public polling and fundraising before withdrawing.

At his victory celebration in Blue Hill—his hometown—Platner addressed supporters who held signs reading "A Senator money can't buy" and "They don't know Maine."

"You have built the most powerful grassroots movement in the history of this state. This is because of you. And when we finally defeat Susan Collins, that will be because of you, too," Platner declared.

The five-term Republican incumbent, Susan Collins, 73, now faces Platner in what national analysts expect to be one of the most competitive Senate races in the country. Maine was the only state where a Republican senator is running in territory won by Democrats in the 2024 presidential election, making it a top pickup opportunity for Democrats seeking Senate control.

Platner burst onto the political scene last summer when Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent progressive, endorsed his campaign. His populist, anti-establishment message resonated with Democratic voters, overwhelming the late entry by the state's former governor.

Not all Democrats have embraced the nominee. Some voters expressed reservations about controversies surrounding Platner's past, including offensive social media posts and revelations about a Nazi symbol tattoo.

Mary Shea, 65, of Falmouth, said she cast a protest vote for Mills. "She's not the right person for the moment, but I don't feel good about Platner," Shea said, though she added she would support him in November. "Collins has to go."

Marion Holmes of Auburn said she ranked Mills first before Platner. "I don't want somebody in Washington embarrassing me," Holmes said, though she plans to vote for Platner against Collins.

In his victory speech, Platner thanked Mills for her years of public service and pledged to earn the trust of her supporters. Mills, in a statement, highlighted her accomplishments as governor but notably did not endorse Platner.

Platner wasted no time launching general election attacks against Collins. He criticized her vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, her growth in wealth during her Senate tenure, and her acceptance of campaign donations from private equity firms.

"Susan Collins is getting rich while we're getting screwed," Platner said.

Collins' campaign pushed back, emphasizing her bipartisan record. "Mainers aren't looking for bitter campaigns, grand promises, or angry speeches riddled with lies. They're looking for results," said spokesperson Shawn Roderick.

Republicans signaled they would exploit Platner's controversies. "Platner is easily the most toxic candidate of the cycle," said Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters. "The fact that Democrats have embraced him in service of a radical socialist agenda has placed the final nail in the coffin of their chances to win Maine in November."

Not all Democrats distanced themselves. Louise Frank, 67, of Woodstock, offered her support despite acknowledging Platner's flaws. "Everyone makes mistakes in life. I understand his struggles, and I give him grace. I think he's gruff. I think he's kind of messy, but I think he's honest. Something's got to change, and I have hope that he will do it."

The general election will test whether Platner's grassroots momentum and anti-establishment appeal can overcome his controversies in a state where independent voters comprise nearly a third of the electorate.