Polling Average
60%50%40%30%20%10%0%
46.9%
44.0%
Maine Senate winner? (Person)
$1.4M
NOV 7, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
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.orgmaineaflcio.orgworkingfamilies.orgmainemorningstar.comballotpedia.orgpolitico.comthehill.combostonglobe.comthemainemonitor.orgpbs.orgbbc.comtime.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.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 16, 2026
Graham Platner has withdrawn from Maine’s U.S. Senate race after sexual assault and misconduct allegations, ending his campaign and removing him from the November ballot. Maine Democrats are now scrambling to pick a replacement nominee at a July 25 convention in Bangor, with a crowded field of candidates already competing for support. The race matters because Democrats see the Maine seat as a key chance to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
fec.gov+48
Articles
WWJLA2 days ago
Maine, Democratic establishment at arms length after Platner disaster
Negative
RReuters2 days ago
Democratic debate to replace Platner in Maine will have 8 candidates
Negative
PPOLITICO2 days ago
Maine Democrats grapple with who is best to take over Graham Platner’s movement
Neutral
RReuters3 days ago
Maine Democrats, rattled by Platner's downfall, protest fatal ICE shooting
Negative
Polls
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