Graham Platner Leads Maine Democratic Primary Over Gov Mills by Wide Margin

Graham Platner, a military veteran and oyster farmer, has surged ahead in the Maine Democratic Senate primary, leading Gov. Janet Mills by a wide margin according to multiple polls from the University of New Hampshire Survey Center. Platner holds approximately 58% support among likely Democratic primary voters, while Mills trails at about 24%, despite the latter being a two-term governor backed by party leaders. Platner's campaign focuses on affordability for Maine families, shifting the Democratic Party towards working-class interests, and fair taxation of corporations and the wealthy. His rise comes amid national attention and controversy over past online comments identifying as a communist and disparaging rural Americans, as well as a tattoo linked to Nazi symbolism, which Platner has addressed by denouncing Nazism and explaining the tattoo's background. Pollsters note that the full impact of these controversies remains uncertain as voters digest the information, and Platner's support is particularly strong among younger, socialist, progressive, and moderate voters. Meanwhile, Mills retains a slight edge in overall favorability but has seen a decline in support among Democrats, possibly influenced by concerns about her age and Platner's appeal as an anti-establishment candidate.