Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, is set to receive endorsements from twenty Democratic state legislators on Thursday, as he continues to consolidate party support ahead of a likely general election matchup against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Endorsement Announcement
The endorsements will be unveiled at a press conference in Portland. The timing is strategic, as Wednesday marked the final day of Maine's legislative session, freeing lawmakers from potential conflicts with Governor Janet Mills, Platner's opponent in the Democratic primary.
Polling shows Platner leading Mills significantly ahead of the June 19 primary. Democrats in Washington and Maine view the progressive candidate as the party's best chance to unseat Collins, a race that is critical for Democrats hoping to regain control of the Senate in the midterm elections.
Platner's Statement
“Working Mainers are being screwed over by too many politicians who would rather cozy up to billionaires than fight for our wages, our healthcare, or our lives,” Platner said. “But there are champions – like the state legislators I am honored to be endorsed by – who have been fighting tooth and nail to change that. And they know that it will take structural change at every level of government.”
Building Support
The endorsements highlight how Platner has gained an advantage over Mills, who has been the only Democrat to win statewide in Maine in two decades. Six years of Mills' governorship has alienated some former allies, allowing Platner to secure support from many of Maine's unions and progressive legislators.
State Representative Nina Milliken, a progressive, had long planned to endorse Platner but delayed due to concerns about potential retaliation from Mills. “I think there was some concern around whether or not there would be repercussions for our bills or repercussions for policies that we support,” Milliken said. “I wouldn’t say she was vindictive. But does she hold a grudge? Yeah.”
List of Endorsing Legislators
Beyond Milliken, Platner is receiving endorsements from state Senators Pinny Beebe-Center, Chip Curry, and Mike Tipping, and from state Representatives Deqa Dhalac, Janice Dodge, Karen Montell, Matthew Beck, Valli D. Geiger, Morgan Rielly, Kilton Webb, Dylan Pugh, Victoria Doudera, Gary Friedmann, Cheryl Golek, Rafael Macias, Laura Supica, Ambureen Rana, Ellie Sato, and Mana Abdi.
