Graham Platner Wins Maine Democratic Senate Primary, Sets General Election Against Susan Collins

Graham Platner won the Maine Democratic Senate primary on Tuesday night, setting up a high-stakes general election against Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

“Graham Platner, who has advocated for government-funded healthcare, free education and a wealth tax, has won the Maine Democratic primary for the United States Senate”

Al Jazeera

The Associated Press called the race soon after polls in Maine closed at 8 p.m., and NBC News said the expected vote is an estimate based on information from county election officials and its vote reporters.

Al Jazeera

NBC News also described how its Decision Desk projections work as votes are counted, noting that the figure can change as it gathers new information.

In Maine, Platner’s win came after Maine Gov. Janet Mills suspended her campaign in April, and The Washington Post reported that Mills was garnering around 20 percent support when the race was called Tuesday night.

Platner’s victory speech sought to shift attention to his own past and to the idea that “people can change,” as the AP reported he told supporters, “people can change.”

The BBC described a town hall moment in Portland, Maine, where a supporter carried a handmade card signed by dozens of attendees and read, “We are your Graham-ily,” as Platner appeared visibly moved.

AP News

AP also said Platner’s campaign was rocked by revelations that he engaged in sexually explicit messages with multiple women while married, and it noted that The New York Times reported new allegations about his behavior during previous relationships.

The BBC framed the stakes for Democrats as Platner became the Democratic candidate for Senate in a state pivotal to the party’s hopes of winning control of the chamber in November’s midterm elections, while also warning that a defeat could be viewed as evidence the party’s left-wing is a liability.

CNN projected that the Maine Senate race would be “critical to Democrats’ chances of flipping four GOP-held seats and winning a majority,” with Platner set to face five-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

“Progressive oyster farmer Graham Platner, whose insurgent U”

Bangor Daily News

CNN reported that Collins’ campaign took aim at Platner hours after his projected nomination, quoting Collins’ spokesperson saying the senator continues to “earn the support of Republicans, Democrats, and independents across Maine.”

The Washington Post said the primary marked the first chapter in what it described as a compelling year in Maine politics, with Democrats’ best chance to oust Sen. Susan Collins and a new governor elected.

Al Jazeera said Platner will take on Susan Collins in November in a “high-stakes race,” and it quoted Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer in a joint statement with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand saying, “In November, Maine voters will elect Graham Platner, and we will win a Senate majority.”