Graham Platner Wins Maine Democratic Senate Primary

On June 9, 2026, oyster farmer and former Marine Graham Platner secured the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in Maine, winning roughly 70‑75% of the vote and defeating former governor Janet Mills, who had suspended her campaign but remained on the ballot. Platner’s victory was projected by the Associated Press shortly after polls closed.

The primary highlighted a series of controversies surrounding Platner, including a former Nazi Totenkopf tattoo, allegations of physical and emotional abuse by former girlfriends, and reports of sexually explicit messages sent during his marriage. Platner has acknowledged his past mistakes, saying, “I’ve made mistakes in my life… I’m far from perfect, but I’m trying to be a better person.”

Despite the scandals, Platner received endorsements from progressive figures such as Sen. Bernie Sanders and positioned himself as an anti‑Israel progressive. The race now pits him against incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, the only GOP senator from New England, in the November general election. Democrats view the Maine seat as a pivotal pickup; they hold 47 Senate seats and need a net gain of four to claim a majority, making the contest a focal point of national political attention.