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Graham Platner, a 40-year-old military veteran, oyster farmer, and harbormaster from Sullivan, Maine, is making waves in American politics with his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2026. Running as a Democrat, Platner aims to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins, who has held the position for five terms. His campaign is gaining national attention, drawing comparisons to other populist candidates like Bernie Sanders and John Fetterman.

Early Life and Military Service

Born in 1984 in Blue Hill, Maine, Platner was raised in the coastal town of Sullivan. He attended John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor, where he earned the “most likely to start a revolution” yearbook superlative in 2003. At 18, he was quoted in the local press after protesting President George W. Bush and the Iraq War at an appearance by Bush at Bangor International Airport.

After high school, Platner enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2003 and served three combat tours in Iraq, including in Ramadi and Fallujah. He later joined the Maryland Army National Guard and served an additional tour in Afghanistan. In 2018, he returned to Afghanistan as a State Department security contractor with Constellis, the private military company formerly known as Blackwater. He returned to Maine the same year, expressing disillusionment with the military and the defense industry.

Transition to Civilian Life and Political Awakening

After his military service, Platner attended George Washington University on a GI Bill scholarship. He later returned to Maine, where he became involved in local politics, serving as a harbormaster and planning board chair in Sullivan. In 2018, he co-founded Waukeag Neck Oyster Co., a sustainable oyster farm, with his wife, Amy Gertner. The farm has become a cornerstone of their livelihood and a symbol of Platner’s commitment to Maine’s working waterfront communities.

Platner’s political views have been shaped by his experiences in the military and as a small business owner. He is a vocal critic of the military-industrial complex and advocates for policies that support working-class families, affordable housing, universal healthcare, and environmental sustainability. His campaign emphasizes populist and progressive policies aimed at reducing economic inequality and corporate influence in politics.

Senate Candidacy and Platform

Platner announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in August 2025, aiming to challenge Senator Susan Collins in the 2026 election. His campaign quickly gained momentum, attracting national attention and endorsements from progressive groups and labor unions. A poll conducted by a research group found that Platner leads Collins by 14 points among likely voters after respondents were shown short biographies of both candidates. Platner outperforms Collins among young voters, independents, rural voters, men, and gun owners.

Platner’s platform includes:

• Universal Healthcare: Advocating for Medicare for All to ensure healthcare access for all Americans.

• Affordable Housing: Supporting policies to make housing more affordable for working-class families.

• Economic Justice: Proposing higher taxes on billionaires and large corporations to reduce economic inequality.

• Veterans’ Benefits: Expanding benefits for veterans to ensure they receive the support they deserve.

• Environmental Sustainability: Promoting policies to protect Maine’s natural resources and combat climate change.

His campaign has been characterized by its grassroots approach, relying on volunteers and small-dollar donations. Platner’s authenticity and direct communication style have resonated with voters seeking a candidate who understands their struggles and is committed to enacting meaningful change.

Labor Union Support

Platner’s campaign has garnered significant support from labor unions, which have been instrumental in his rise as a political candidate. In July 2025, Platner spoke with the president of the Maine State Building & Construction Trades Council about the potential run while working on his oyster boat. The union leader described the conversation as “striking,” noting that Platner’s vision was compelling and unfiltered. Labor groups connected Platner to a Democratic consulting firm known for its work with progressive candidates. The support from unions reflects Platner’s commitment to advocating for workers’ rights and economic justice.

Personal Life

Platner is married to Amy Gertner, his business partner at Waukeag Neck Oyster Co. The couple’s collaboration on the farm underscores their shared commitment to Maine’s coastal heritage and sustainable agriculture. Platner’s personal life reflects his values of community, hard work, and dedication to his family and state.

Conclusion

Graham Platner’s candidacy represents a new wave of political engagement driven by personal experience and a commitment to addressing the needs of working-class Americans. His background as a military veteran, small business owner, and advocate for labor rights positions him as a formidable challenger to Senator Susan Collins. As the 2026 election approaches, Platner’s campaign continues to gain momentum, reflecting a growing desire among voters for authentic leadership and policies that prioritize the well-being of all citizens.

For more information on Graham Platner’s Senate campaign, visit his official website: grahamforsenate.com