Story perspectives

Mills Steps Aside, Graham Platton Leads 64% Poll for Senate Seat

5/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mills’ withdrawal, driven by Democrats’ preference for a younger outsider, cleared the way for oyster farmer Graham Platton to become the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Platton, who has raised nearly $12 million versus Mills’ $5.4 million, leads a February University of New Hampshire poll with 64% support to Mills’ 26%.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and DSCC chair Kirsten Gillibrand praised Mills and pledged to work with Platton to defeat Senator Susan Collins.

History

Historical Context

Since 1920 New Hampshire has held the nation’s first primary, drawing record turnouts such as 287,527 voters in the 2008 Democratic contest where Barack Obama finished second to Hillary Clinton but earned nine delegates. That insurgent showing proved outsiders could challenge party establishments, a pattern echoed in 2024 as oyster farmer Graham Platton, a newcomer, faces establishment-backed Joe Mills for the Senate.

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Story summary

Mills’ withdrawal, driven by Democrats’ preference for a younger outsider, cleared the way for oyster farmer Graham Platton to become the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Platton, who has raised nearly $12 million versus Mills’ $5.4 million, leads a February University of New Hampshire poll with 64% support to Mills’ 26%.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and DSCC chair Kirsten Gillibrand praised Mills and pledged to work with Platton to defeat Senator Susan Collins.

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