Maine's Oyster Farmer Seeks a Progressive Upset in the Senate Race

Graham Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer and combat veteran, is surging in Maine’s Democratic Senate primary against Gov. Janet Mills and Sen. Susan Collins, riding a Bernie Sanders–style progressive platform and a large online following. His rise challenges Maine’s tradition of electing moderates and could reshape the 2026 race, though questions linger about intra-party divisions and the role of national Democrats.