Maine Democratic Senate nominee on Jul 31, 2026?
7hGraham Platner has raised $16,312,222 this cycle, but Troy Jackson holds the lead in the latest odds for the Maine Democratic Senate nominee race.
3%
Maine Democratic Senate nominee on Jul 31, 2026?
$1.9M
JUL 31, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleU.S. Senate candidate (Maine, 2026)
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age41 years old (Sep 1, 1984)
GenderMale
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LocationMaine
BackgroundU.S. Senate candidate (Maine, 2026)
EducationGeorge Washington University (attended; used GI Bill)
Notable personal detailsGraham Cunningham Platner is an American oyster farmer, harbormaster, and military veteran running as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine in 2026. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantryman with deployments to Iraq, and later joined the Maryland Army National Guard with a deployment to Afghanistan. He has worked in local civic roles in Sullivan, Maine, including serving as harbormaster and as chair of the Sullivan Planning Board.
SourcesShowHide
fec.govgrahamforsenate.comen.wikipedia.orgmainepublic.orgapnews.comwashingtonpost.comcbsnews.comaxios.comingest.abcnews.comtheguardian.comtheatlantic.combangordailynews.comwsws.orgelpais.comlemonde.fromni.sewmtw.comcommondreams.orgpressherald.comthemainewire.comfoxnews.comthenation.comnbcnewyork.combearingarms.comwashingtonreporter.newspeoplestribune.orgnewyorker.comnytimes.comc-span.orgworkingfamilies.orgmainemorningstar.compbs.orgballotpedia.orgpolitico.comthemainemonitor.orgbostonglobe.comfairvote.orgthehill.comwikidata.orgballotready.orgbioguideretro.congress.govdocquery.fec.govcommons.wikimedia.orgru.wikipedia.orgdurbin.senate.govcollins.senate.govappropriations.senate.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports substantially higher taxes on wealthy individuals and billionaires (including a ‘billionaire minimum tax’ and ‘tax the rich’ proposals) to fund expanded public programs such as universal healthcare and stronger social supports. Advocates dismantling what he calls a ‘billionaire economy’ in favor of an economy that prioritizes workers, small businesses, and public goods.
Healthcare
The candidate supports Medicare for All and calls healthcare a basic human right. He pledges to move away from the for‑profit insurance system, fund rural hospitals, expand Medicare/Medicaid, and empower the government to negotiate prescription drug prices.
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Immigration & Border
Supports a path to citizenship and opposes mass deportations and ICE operations in communities while also saying the country needs strong border security. Calls for ending what he calls the “mass deportation machine,” organizing resistance to ICE actions, and seeking immigration reform paired with border measures.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Public reporting shows mixed signals on Platner’s stance. Some news coverage describes him as defending abortion rights, while other pieces quote him expressing uncertainty about whether abortion is murder or healthcare, and his campaign site does not provide a clear, detailed policy statement on reproductive rights.
Climate & Energy
Supports urgent action on climate change, strengthening the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, and federal investment to protect Maine’s environment and create good union jobs tied to clean energy and waterfront resilience.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate identifies as a lifelong gun owner who supports targeted gun-safety measures while respecting lawful gun ownership. He has expressed conditional support for red flag laws and did not endorse a ban on semi-automatic/assault-style weapons, saying such bans focus on aesthetics over function. He has described the three-day waiting period enacted in Maine as potentially excessive personally but said he would not oppose it if passed by the legislature.
Latest Insights
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 10, 2026
Graham Platner said he will withdraw from Maine’s Democratic U.S. Senate race after allegations of misconduct and sexual assault surfaced. He denied the accusations, but his campaign has been suspended and he is expected to file the paperwork needed to make the withdrawal official. Maine Democrats are now moving quickly to choose a replacement nominee before the state’s deadline, with several possible candidates already being discussed.
fec.gov+46
Articles
FNFox News11 hours ago
Troy Jackson grilled on backing Graham Platner before rape allegation
Negative
WEWashington Examiner12 hours ago
Platner adviser assures Maine candidate will file paperwork to withdraw
Negative
SRSanta Rosa Press Democrat13 hours ago
Gavin Newsom: Democrats must ‘demand the fight’ for Senate control post-Platner
Negative
FForbes13 hours ago
10 Years After #MeToo: What The Platner Case Reveals About The Movement’s Legacy
Negative
Polls
Polling Average
80%60%40%20%0%
55.4%
31.4%
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
Maine Democratic Senate nominee?
Endorsers of Graham Platner for Maine Democratic Senate nominee?
Bernie Sanders
Public figure
Bernie Sanders endorsed Graham Platner in the Maine Senate race.
Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Political organization
Planned Parenthood Action Fund endorsed Graham Platner for Senate in Maine.
Maine Service Employees Association
Advocacy group
Maine Service Employees Association endorsed Graham Platner.
Kirsten Gillibrand
Public figure
Kirsten Gillibrand endorsed Graham Platner in the Maine Senate race.
Working Families Party
Public figure
Working Families Party endorsed Graham Platner in the Maine Senate race.
Elizabeth Warren
Public figure
Elizabeth Warren endorsed Graham Platner in Maine's Senate primary.
Progressive Change Campaign Committee
Political organization
Progressive Change Campaign Committee endorsed Graham Platner.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$16.3M
$12.2M
$8.2M
$4.1M
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$16.3M
$2.2M
$14.1M
$831.3K
Source: FEC