Polling Average
80%60%40%20%0%
55.4%
31.4%
Democrat
Graham Platner
Maine Democratic Senate nominee?
$6.1M
JUN 10, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleOyster farmer
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age41 years old (Sep 1, 1984)
GenderMale
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LocationMaine
BackgroundOyster farmer
Notable personal detailsGraham Cunningham Platner is an American oyster farmer and military veteran who ran for U.S. Senate in Maine in the 2026 cycle. He has described himself as a Marine and U.S. Army veteran and has held local municipal roles in Sullivan, Maine, including service on the town planning board. Platner won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Maine in June 2026 and later formally withdrew from the race in July 2026.
SourcesShowHide
fec.govabcnews.comgrahamforsenate.commainepublic.orgen.wikipedia.orgapnews.comaxios.comtheweek.comwashingtonpost.comcbsnews.comgovinfo.govdata.ddhq.iobangordailynews.comkptv.comd3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.netwmtw.comtheguardian.comcommondreams.orgpressherald.comthemainewire.comfoxnews.comthenation.comnbcnewyork.combearingarms.comwashingtonreporter.newspeoplestribune.orgnewyorker.comthehill.comnytimes.comc-span.orgmaineaflcio.orgworkingfamilies.orgmainemorningstar.comballotpedia.orgpolitico.compbs.orgwbur.orgbostonglobe.comthemainemonitor.orgfairvote.orgprospect.orgtime.comdocquery.fec.govwikidata.orghistory.house.govlgraham.senate.govsenate.govgottheimer.house.govcommons.wikimedia.orgballotready.orgdailypress.senate.govdgraham.senate.govcongress.govcollins.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 26, 2026
Graham Platner has withdrawn from Maine’s 2026 U.S. Senate race after misconduct and sexual assault allegations, and his name will not appear on the November ballot. Maine Democrats have since moved to replace him, holding a convention to pick a new nominee. Troy Jackson won that nomination and will now face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the general election.
fec.gov+53
Articles
HCHartford Courant1 day ago
In Maine, Democrats Pick Troy Jackson to Replace Platner in Senate Race
Neutral
WWJLA1 day ago
Troy Jackson replaces Graham Platner as Maine Democrats' US Senate nominee
Negative
WEWashington Examiner2 days ago
Democratic establishment fights back against socialists
Negative
TAThe Atlantic5 days ago
How to Replace a Senate Candidate
Negative
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
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
$21.1M
$15.8M
$10.5M
$5.3M
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$21.1M
$1.8M
$19.3M
$1.1M
Source: FEC