Graham Platner wins Maine Democratic Senate primary to challenge Susan Collins

Jun 9, 2026

Progressive activist Graham Platner won Maine's Democratic Senate primary with 72% of the vote, setting up a November challenge against Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Despite facing scrutiny for past controversies, including incendiary Reddit posts, Democrats view Platner as their best chance to win a seat considered crucial for taking control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority.

Platner Democratic primary victory

▪Graham Platner won Maine's Democratic Senate primary on June 9, 2026.
▪Platner defeated Maine Governor Janet Mills, who had suspended her campaign in April but remained on the ballot.
▪Graham Platner is a Marine veteran, oyster farmer, and progressive activist.
▪Graham Platner won the primary with 72% of the vote.
▪The Associated Press called the race for Platner soon after polls in Maine closed at 8 p.m.

Platner personal controversies

▪A former girlfriend accused Graham Platner of being physically intimidating, an accusation Platner has denied.
▪During the campaign, Platner faced scrutiny for old incendiary Reddit posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.
▪Platner was also scrutinized for sending sexually explicit messages to other women early in his marriage.

Platner vs Collins general election

▪Susan Collins is the incumbent and is running for her sixth six-year term.
▪In the November general election, Graham Platner will challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins.

Democratic Senate control stakes

▪Democrats see Graham Platner as their best chance to oust Senator Susan Collins.
▪Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the U.S. Senate.
▪The Maine Senate race is considered a must-win for Democrats seeking to take control of the Senate.