Political newcomer Graham Platner won Maine's Democratic primary for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, setting up a high-stakes November race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) as voters cast ballots in primaries across Maine, Nevada, North Dakota and South Carolina.
Platner Sets Up High-Stakes Collins Race
The Associated Press called the race for Platner, an oyster farmer and former chair of the planning board in the small town of Sullivan. He entered the race with little political experience but drew large crowds at rallies around Maine.
Platner has also faced controversies that became attack lines for his rivals, including scrutiny of past conduct and comments. Since entering the race, he has emphasized redemption, arguing that people who have made mistakes can work to become better.
Democrats see Maine as one of their best chances to flip a Republican-held Senate seat. It is the only state with a competitive Senate race where voters backed Democrat Kamala Harris over Donald Trump in 2024.
