Graham Platner
Graham Platner is a Marine Corps veteran and oyster farmer who won the Democratic primary with 72% of the vote to challenge incumbent Sen. Susan Collins.
- Party: Democratic
- Office sought: U.S. Senate
- State: ME
- Current office: Oyster Farmer; Marine Corps Veteran
Incumbency status: challenger
Education: Attended George Washington University (G.I. Bill)
Residence: Sullivan, ME
Biography
Graham Platner was born on September 1, 1984, in Blue Hill, Maine. He enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduating high school and served eight years, including three combat tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. After military service, he worked as a State Department security contractor before returning to Maine to run an oyster farm. He won the Democratic primary in June 2026 with 72% of the vote.
Professional background
Oyster farmer; Marine Corps veteran; State Department security contractor
Military service
U.S. Marine Corps (2003–2007); Maryland Army National Guard (2010–2011); four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan