'New Democrat party': Senate GOP sounds off on 'extreme' Graham Platner as Senate race in Maine heats up
Graham Platner is the presumptive Democratic nominee in Maine's Senate race after Governor Janet Mills dropped out due to financial constraints. Platner, who has never held elected office, faces criticism from Senate Republicans who label him as extreme and out of touch. Republicans plan to highlight his past controversial statements and ties to progressive figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
- ▪Graham Platner has never held elected office but is now the leading Democratic candidate in Maine's Senate race.
- ▪Maine Governor Janet Mills exited the race due to a lack of funding, clearing the path for Platner.
- ▪Senate Republicans, including Tim Scott, have criticized Platner's past remarks and his associations with Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
- ▪Platner is a U.S. Marine veteran and oyster farmer running against incumbent Senator Susan Collins.
- ▪Republicans allege Platner made offensive comments, including blaming women for rape and expressing condescension toward minorities.
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Politics 'New Democrat party': Senate GOP sounds off on 'extreme' Graham Platner as Senate race in Maine heats up Platner has never held elected office but is polling ahead of Collins, who is seeking a sixth Senate term By Alex Miller Fox News Published May 2, 2026 9:00am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Major shake-up in Maine Senate Democratic primary Chief congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reports after Gov. Janet Mills drops out of the Maine Senate Democratic primary, leaving controversial candidate Graham Platner as the presumptive nominee. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Senate Republicans are eyeing the chance to go after Graham Platner now that Maine’s Senate race is locked in.
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