OPINION: The race to the United States Senate primary has been intense. Mainers have found themselves at odds over the three main contenders for the seat: Graham Platner, Sen. Susan Collins and Governor Janet Mills. The rivalry between Platner and Mills is especially fierce, as they both seek the Democratic nomination to replace Collins in office.
Many Mainers, particularly young Democrats, are drawn to Platner, Maine’s best hope for Democratic representation.
The main thing is his practical policies that directly address what Mainers want to see happen in their communities. He also communicates in a rational manner to avoid partisan conflicts and embodies the average Mainer, not someone backed by millions of dollars in establishment support. Most importantly, he seems to be the most viable candidate to defeat Collins.
Mills will not defeat Collins because she lacks appeal to the Republican voters in Maine. Her nonexistent strong stance on any policy will be what pushes centrist voters to vote for Collins merely for the stability of an incumbent candidate.
Another issue I notice during this race is age. Collins is not the best candidate for re-election due to her age and visible health issues, as evidenced by the shakiness in her voice and body. The same applies to Mills in her old age.
We need to stop electing individuals who are nearing the end of their lifespan.
A six year term is a lifetime for these two. Platner is 41, Collins is 72 and Mills is 77. We need a candidate with longevity, which Collins doesn’t provide.
Collins lacks the ability to advocate for Mainers. Despite running on a platform for bipartisanship, she has not upheld this in recent years. Yes, Mills demonstrated courage by opposing President Donald Trump last year, but Mainers suffered from funding cuts as a result. While President Trump is primarily responsible for this, it has negatively affected Mill’s chances of being elected and left a negative impression on many Mainers.
Graham Platner is a fresh face in the progressive movement nationwide. His policies prioritize the needs of the average person and signal a departure from establishment Democrats who primarily cater to the wealthy. Platner’s stance is clear: he is pro-Palestine, pro-healthcare, pro-unions, tribal pro-sovereignty and anti-mass deportation.
It’s refreshing to have a candidate who clearly stands for freedom.
Platner, like New York’s Zohran Mamdani, ran on clear and truly progressive platforms. Mamdani’s success shows that this approach can be effective. If Platner follows in his footsteps, it suggests that the U.S. is ready for genuine progressive movements.
The modern Democrat movement is too afraid to appeal to the center that they overlook the fact that what really attracts the center is a candidate who genuinely cares about the well-being of all people. Graham Platner’s message resonates with the people of Maine, as evidenced by the large turnout at his rallies. He embodies a fresh perspective within the Democratic Movement.
