Story perspectives

Oyster Farmer Graham Platner Beats Mills, Leads Democratic Senate Bid

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and veteran, out-raised Governor Janet Mills, leading polls and becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for Maine's U.S. Senate race.
Mills suspended her Senate campaign on April 30, 2026, after raising just over $1 million cash.
Platner reported $2.7 million cash on hand, more than double Mills’ amount.
Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand thanked Mills and pledged to work with Platner to defeat Susan Collins.

History

Historical Context

Since Susan Collins won the 1996 Senate race with 49% of the vote, Republicans have held Maine’s Senate seat—unbroken since 1979 and the only GOP-held Senate seat in a state that voted for Kamala Harris in 2024. The 2026 contest pits Collins against Democratic oyster farmer Graham Platton, who now leads the primary after Governor Janet Mills withdrew.

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Story summary

Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and veteran, out-raised Governor Janet Mills, leading polls and becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for Maine's U.S. Senate race.
Mills suspended her Senate campaign on April 30, 2026, after raising just over $1 million cash.
Platner reported $2.7 million cash on hand, more than double Mills’ amount.
Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand thanked Mills and pledged to work with Platner to defeat Susan Collins.

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