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Marine Oyster Farmer's Senate Bid Goes Viral

9/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In summer 2025, Maine Democrats sought a challenger to Senator Susan Collins.
They identified Graham Platner, a working-class oyster farmer and former marine, after viewing a video.
On August 16, 2025, the campaign video Platner for United States Senate (U.S. Senate) launched, quickly garnering over 2.5 million views and $500,000 in four days.

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Story summary

In summer 2025, Maine Democrats sought a challenger to Senator Susan Collins.
They identified Graham Platner, a working-class oyster farmer and former marine, after viewing a video.
On August 16, 2025, the campaign video Platner for United States Senate (U.S. Senate) launched, quickly garnering over 2.5 million views and $500,000 in four days.