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Maine Gov Withdraws, Farmer Graham Platton Leads Primary 40 Points

5/1/2026

Center

Platton Leads Primary

Graham Platton said he leads primary by 40 points and gets no outreach from Senatorial Campaign Committee or National Committee.
Maine Governor Janet Mills withdrew from the Senate race, making oyster farmer Graham Platton the Democratic nominee for June 9 primary.
Maine Democratic Party said it will stay neutral in the primary and back the winner.
Republican officials called Platton an extremist while Senator Susan Collins declined to comment on electability.

Left

Platner Gains Nomination

Platner’s campaign mobilized 15,000 volunteers across Maine, branding him as a working-class, anti-war candidate.
Governor Janet Mills officially withdrew from the U.S. Senate race, clearing the path for Platner’s nomination.
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand pledged support to unseat Senator Susan Collins.
Jewish organizations warned about Platner’s Nazi-linked tattoo and Reddit remarks, noting he covered the tattoo.

History

Historical Context

In 1996, after Republican Senator William Cohen retired, Susan Collins won Maine’s open Senate seat with 49% of the vote, preserving a GOP hold that has lasted since 1979. That breakthrough, the first Republican victory in over a decade, now echoes in the 2026 primary where oyster farmer Graham Platton leads the Democratic field against incumbent Collins.

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Platton Leads Primary

Graham Platton said he leads primary by 40 points and gets no outreach from Senatorial Campaign Committee or National Committee.
Maine Governor Janet Mills withdrew from the Senate race, making oyster farmer Graham Platton the Democratic nominee for June 9 primary.
Maine Democratic Party said it will stay neutral in the primary and back the winner.
Republican officials called Platton an extremist while Senator Susan Collins declined to comment on electability.

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