Graham Platner is a 41-year-old Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, seeking to unseat Republican incumbent Susan Collins in the 2026 election[5]. He is a military veteran, having served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan with both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army, including as a machine gun section leader and rifle team leader[1]. After completing his military service, Platner pursued higher education under the GI Bill at The George Washington University[1]. Platner’s civilian life is rooted in rural Maine, where he is an oyster farmer and currently serves as harbormaster and chair of the Sullivan Planning Board[1][2]. His campaign emphasizes his working-class background and his experience as a small business owner in a coastal community near Acadia National Park[2]. Platner’s decision to run for Senate was motivated by concerns over the growing wealth gap and the rising cost of living, which he argues have made Maine “essentially unlivable” for working-class people[2]. He presents himself as a political outsider, directly challenging both Collins and what he describes as a political system “rigged for the wealthy”[3]. Platner’s rapid rise in Maine politics has drawn comparisons to other working-class Democratic candidates, such as Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, due to his focus on economic populism and appeal to rural and working-class voters[2][4]. However, his campaign has also faced significant controversy. In October 2025, media reports surfaced questionable social media posts in which Platner made derogatory comments about sexual assault victims, law enforcement, and rural voters, and expressed support for political violence[5]. These revelations led to the resignation of a top campaign aide and prompted Platner to publicly apologize, attributing the posts to a difficult transition to civilian life after his military service[5]. Despite these setbacks, Platner remains in the race, positioning himself as an alternative to establishment Democrats and signaling his willingness to challenge party leadership if necessary[3][4]. His campaign has become a focal point in discussions about the direction of the Democratic Party in Maine and nationally, especially as Governor Janet Mills—a more traditional Democratic recruit—has also entered the Senate race[4][5]. Platner’s candidacy underscores broader debates within the party about generational change, candidate authenticity, and outreach to working-class voters.