Graham Platner is a Marine and Army veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. Nowadays, he’s an oyster farmer and the chair of his planning board in Sullivan, Maine. He has been making waves by announcing his run for Senate against longtime Republican Susan Collins. Platner has already shared ideas on policies he would like to implement, such as Medicare for All and a “billionaire minimum tax.” As well as directing spending away from foreign wars and addressing people’s needs in the United States, such as providing more affordable housing. If all of that sounds familiar, you might be thinking Platner sounds like the Maine answer to Zohran Mamdani. But is he?

Mamdani Comparisons

Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of NYC, shares a lot of similarities with Platner. The way they speak to the issues of working-class people resonates with large numbers of voters. Both Mamdani and Platner speak about fighting oligarchy and the affordability crisis that young people face. Mamdani closely aligned himself with Senator Bernie Sanders endorsed Platner, and believes he has a great chance of winning. The way Mamdani spoke to people in terms of working for every single person in NYC is the same way Platner is approaching his campaign for the Senate. Platner, like Mamdani, identifies as a Democratic Socialist, supporting social housing and strong tenants. He positions himself as someone who will take on the establishment elites, republicans and democrats alike, who he believes are bought by corporations. He is part of this new part of the democratic party that is riding this political momentum into next year’s midterm elections.

Why is Platner Unique?

He is a retired Army and Marine veteran; he is not from a big city like a Mamdani. He’s a rural Mainer. He does not like “pigeonholing” himself as someone who is super left-leaning. He believes he can speak to all Mainers because he says many Trump voters and registered republicans are his friends. Unlike Mamdani, this election has national implications. Platner is challenging long-time Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Collins is serving her fifth term, seeking re-election in 2027.
Platner Controversies:
Platner’s campaign suffered a major blow recently when past Reddit posts that were considered “deeply provocative” which he has since apologized and disavowed. Platner claims they stemmed from isolation and PTSD after he returned from his military service. He was also under fire recently after getting a controversial tattoo when he was young and inebriated. He has covered it up and has since apologized when the news came out. This means some serious controversies are hanging over Platner’s head coming into this election, and with the Maine Senate seat on the line, the pressure and hype on this campaign are sure to grow immensely.

Populist Takeover?

Platner’s quick rise has ignited a fire under a base in the Democratic party that has been ready to be heard. A politician who doesn’t just call out the opposition but calls out their own party. Attacking leadership for ‘cozying’ up to billionaires and corporations. Platner has a youthful backing to his campaign, a populist energy, and younger, more progressive voters are siding with him in current polls.. He currently leads Susan Collins very early 45% to 42%. In a straight-up race between Susan Collins and Maine Democratic Governor Janet Mills, Collins leads 46% to 42%. The primary vote is razor close between Platner and Mills. However, he currently leads 41% to 39%. This has the democratic party fighting internally whether to change into a more grassroots populist messaging system or stay more towards a more moderate style of politics.

Pros and Cons of a Potential Senator Platner:

With Maine being a swing state, this election could hold huge weight and be a precursor for the 2028 election. Platner has proven to be able to win over young voters early by going into a completely different tone of messaging. Not only will it reduce the majority held by the GOP, but it could galvanize lots of politicians in other states to change up their messaging and focus on the problems of the everyday people they represent. His anti-establishment tendencies may alienate voters who tend to be more moderate. Add that with him already having two major controversies, and he will have to address those issues for some voters to even consider him. His authenticity is what the voters seem to love; he doesn’t sound like a typical politician, and by leaning into that, he’s created a heavy shift in the way Mainers are feeling early before the midterms. However, he is going to have to win over another part of Maine’s population that has supported Collins for the past five terms, and such a radical policy change could be hard for voters.

What’s Next?

Is Platner the next Mamdani for Maine? Maybe… he does have the same political affiliation and is part of a new populist and progressive wing within the Democratic Party. He is running on economic inequality, running against the corrupt elites within the establishment, and making Maine more affordable for everyone by redirecting spending. He is different in a sense, too, though; he wants to change the whole rulebook on political thinking, he calls out both sides, and is not afraid to fight his own party on issues he believes in. He could be one of the new ringleaders for a new type of politics.