Democrat Graham Platner exporting Mamdani socialism to Maine: state GOP chief

As the race for Maine’s Senate seat heats up, a new Democratic challenger has emerged, drawing comparisons to the socialist policies of Zohran Mamdani. Graham Platner, a veteran and oyster farmer, has launched his campaign with a focus on universal healthcare and dismantling the “billionaire economy.”

Platner’s ties to Mamdani’s team, including campaign adviser Morris Katz, have raised concerns among Republicans, with Maine GOP chief Jason Savage calling him “Maine’s Mamdani” and a “Bernie bro.” Savage warns that Platner’s far-left policies could be a threat to the Democratic Party’s future.

In response to the growing list of Democratic challengers, reports suggest that incumbent Sen. Susan Collins could face a tough re-election bid. Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the Senate, with Democrats aiming to flip four seats in the upcoming 2026 midterms to take control.

The Democratic Party’s embrace of the far-left is seen as a double-edged sword by Savage, who argues that while candidates like Platner may energize the base, they could also alienate moderate voters. The party’s inability to rein in its extreme wing, he warns, could have catastrophic consequences in the long run.

Despite the challenges ahead, Collins remains confident in her re-election prospects, dismissing Platner as “just another progressive entering the race.” With the Senate majority hanging in the balance, both parties are gearing up for a fierce battle in the upcoming election cycle.