AUGUSTA, Maine — Graham Platner won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Maine on Tuesday, advancing to face incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the November general election, according to election officials and projections from major news organizations.
Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer, U.S. military veteran and political newcomer, secured approximately 72% of the vote with a large share of ballots counted, defeating former Gov. Janet Mills, who had suspended her campaign in April but remained on the ballot. The results were projected shortly after polls closed at 8 p.m. local time.
The primary sets up what is expected to be one of the most closely watched Senate races in the 2026 midterms. Collins, who has served in the Senate since 1997 and won re-election multiple times in the Democratic-leaning state, ran unopposed in the Republican primary.
Platner, who served three deployments to Iraq with the Marines and one to Afghanistan with the Army National Guard, positioned his campaign around populist themes and grassroots support. He operates an oyster farm on Frenchman Bay and serves as harbormaster in Sullivan, Maine.
The race drew national attention amid reports of past personal controversies involving Platner, including allegations related to his personal conduct. Platner has described the claims as resolved or unfounded, with no charges filed, while emphasizing his focus on voter priorities such as economic issues and veterans’ affairs.
Mills, who suspended her bid in late April, garnered around 19% of the vote in early returns. Other candidates, including David Costello, received smaller shares. Maine uses ranked-choice voting in primaries, but Platner’s lead was decisive enough to avoid extended tabulation in projections.
“Tonight’s victory belongs to the people of Maine who are ready for real change,” Platner said in remarks to supporters after the projected win, according to campaign statements reported by media outlets.
The general election matchup pits Platner against Collins, a moderate Republican known for her independent voting record. Recent polling has shown competitive dynamics in the race, though specific figures vary. National Democrats view the seat as a potential target, while Republicans aim to hold it amid the party’s narrow Senate majority.
Platner and Collins are expected to begin general election campaigning in earnest. Other candidates, including independents and unaffiliated contenders, are also in the race for the Nov. 3 election. Further details on campaign strategies and timelines will emerge in the coming weeks as both sides prepare for the fall contest.
