Graham Platner wins Democratic primary to face Susan Collins in November
The political newcomer won despite recent controversies and will now challenge Susan Collins in a race that could help decide Senate control.
- On Tuesday, progressive oyster farmer Graham Platner won Maine's Democratic primary for U.S. Senate with 77.7% of the vote, securing a general election matchup against five-term Republican incumbent Susan Collins.
- Platner's campaign persisted through controversies, including offensive social media posts and disclosures regarding a Nazi-linked tattoo, before easily defeating Gov. Janet Mills, who had suspended her campaign in April.
- While Centrist U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, urged Platner to withdraw on Tuesday, voter Louise Frank, 67, of Woodstock countered: "I think he's honest." Platner frames his platform around working-class movement against the status quo.
- Advertising reservations in the race have already topped $150 million, surpassing the $120 million spent during Collins' 2020 campaign, with independent voters comprising nearly a third of the electorate as a crucial target.
- Maine remains a critical pickup opportunity for Democrats seeking Senate control, as Collins is the only Republican running in a state won by Democrats in the 2024 presidential election, making the general election a definitive test of Platner's populist appeal.
227 Articles
227 Articles
So Far, a Beleaguered Graham Platner Retains Strength in Primary Showing
While the outcome of Tuesday’s primary was never in doubt, the margin was; a mediocre showing against Maine Governor Janel Mills (D), who dropped out after running a begrudging campaign, would suggest that Democrat Graham Platner had taken on water from his recent stream of scandals. As of Wednesday morning, with about 88% of the vote tabulated, there were no such warning signs.
Graham Platner wins Maine Democratic Senate nomination
BLUE HILL, Maine (CBS, KYMA) - CBS News projects Graham Platner (D) will win the Maine Democratic Senate primary, setting up the fall matchup with incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R) as was widely expected. Platner gave victory remarks at an election watch party in his hometown of Blue Hill, Maine Tuesday evening. Platner, a progressive Democrat, has been plagued by several controversies, including allegations of "unsettling behavior" from former g…
Platner survives scandal, Mace gets routed in primary night shakeup
Several states held primary elections Tuesday, but it was Maine at the center of attention of the political world. The results were expected: incumbent Sen. Susan Collins won the Republican nomination while embattled Democrat Graham Platner won his party's. But the win still marked a major test for Platner, who has spent weeks trying to move past allegations that he exchanged sexually explicit messages with multiple women while married. In his v…
Controversial Graham Platner overcomes allegations to seal Maine Democratic nomination for Senate race – US politics live
Marine veteran won 72% of the vote despite infidelity and abuse allegations that emerged during primary campaign Platner shrugs off scandals to win Maine Democratic Senate primary Sign up for the Breaking News US email Bill Gates is set to testify in front of the House committee on oversight and reform on Wednesday as part [...]
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