Story perspectives

Oyster Farmer Graham Platner Takes on Collins in Maine Senate

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Graham Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer, became the front-runner for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat after Governor Janet Mills withdrew.
He secured the Democratic nomination to face incumbent Senator Susan Collins in November.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee pledged resources for Platner’s campaign.
Republican officials RNC spokesperson Kristen Cianci and Senator Tim Scott called Platner extremist over deleted anti-police posts and a Nazi-like tattoo.

1 of 1

Story summary

Graham Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer, became the front-runner for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat after Governor Janet Mills withdrew.
He secured the Democratic nomination to face incumbent Senator Susan Collins in November.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee pledged resources for Platner’s campaign.
Republican officials RNC spokesperson Kristen Cianci and Senator Tim Scott called Platner extremist over deleted anti-police posts and a Nazi-like tattoo.