I’m a lifelong New Yorker. I donated to Platner. | Letter

Read all of our coverage of Maine's 2026 election or stay up to date with the latest developments through the Maine Political Report in your inbox or text messages from politics editor Kirby Wilson.

I never expected to write this letter to the people of Maine. I am a lifelong New York Democrat and feminist who takes my political choices seriously — yet I recently sent a check to Graham Platner, a Maine man and political candidate whose messy back story is now well known.

Why?

Because these are times at which my usual political calculations may not be enough. Our country faces an existential threat to democracy and respect for the rule of law from President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.

With the stakes so high, citizens must take risks. The question is not whether a candidate is perfect; it is whether we are willing to act to protect the future of our democracy. I believe that Democrats winning control of the U.S. Senate is so critical that this is a right time to take risks.

I write as someone from New York who knows that what happens in Maine this November will matter far beyond your state. Right now, America needs Maine. In tough times, we must look beyond what is comfortable and make difficult choices. That is why I sent a donation to Graham Platner.

Edward Kornbluh
Schodack Landing, N.Y.

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Tagged: election 2026, featured letter, letter to the editor, senate 2026