Graham Platner, an oyster farmer running in the Maine Senate primary as a Democrat, is seen as a grassroots candidate potentially capable of outperforming Trump’s base. Yet, his history reveals a more intricate narrative.

As reported by the New York Times, Platner, a former Marine with three tours in Iraq, is labeled a “political novice,” focusing his campaign on the needs of Maine’s working class against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. He expressed, “I am a veteran, an oysterman, and a master of the working class, and this situation is no longer serving our workers,” in a social media post.

In an interview, Platner remarked that he doesn’t identify strictly as a progressive or centrist. He chuckled at the notion of facing challenges connecting with Trump supporters, noting that many of his friends and colleagues at the dock voted for Trump.

However, his limited social media presence reveals an inclination toward progressive figures, having retweeted both Bernie Sanders and critics of Trump. Platner has also made political donations to figures like Kamala Harris and Sanders.

Platner’s platform indeed suggests progressive ideals; he advocates for corporate accountability regarding climate change, universal healthcare, and has labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide.”

“Graham Platner, a 40-year-old veteran and oysterman, is calling for businesses to compensate for climate change and funding universal healthcare instead of endless wars. He claims Gaza’s genocide is our time’s moral test,” noted a tweet by Prem Thakker.

His association with a well-regarded leftist consultant has raised further eyebrows about his campaign’s authenticity. Platner’s inaugural campaign advertisement was produced by the “Fight Agency,” known for supporting various Democratic candidates.

Morris Katz, a senior adviser at the agency, described Platner as “the real deal.” Another prominent figure in his campaign is Joe Calvello, who has extensive experience with high-profile Democrats, including Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.

Interestingly, Platner, who has a background in competitive shooting, finds the label of a liberal to be amusing. He described his upbringing in rural Maine, emphasizing the normalcy of firearms in his life.

On the other hand, well-known gun control advocate David Hogg recently praised Platner, suggesting he’d make an excellent senator. Hogg shared a personal anecdote about enjoying Platner’s oysters, calling him a “real deal.”

In June, Platner was seen wearing a construction vest at a rally in Ellsworth, where he participated in a protest against the Trump administration, which he condemned as “fascist.”

“We look forward to meeting our neighbors on Down East Maine,” he shared in a video from the rally.

Originally from Sullivan, Maine, Platner returned home in 2016 following a stint as a security contractor for the State Department. After leaving the military, he turned to aquaculture, growing his business with support from local hospitality workers.

His campaign heavily emphasizes corporate accountability for working-class woes, portraying billionaires as the enemy, while his past enlists a globalist billionaire’s fund for business support—sparking potential contradictions in his narrative.

In 2021, while seeking funds, Platner applied for a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, founded by a Greek billionaire committed to global thinking.

His emerging business was showcased in a tour near Hancock Point and has included meetings with fellow small business owners. Some of his initial funding sources link back to substantial donations from affluent backers.

Platner’s campaign has yet to respond to requests for comments. With the 2026 election on the horizon, Democrats are hoping to challenge Collins, who has been a significant figure in Maine politics. Other candidates are emerging in the Democratic primary, but there’s speculation that Democratic Governor Janet Mills might enter the race, despite no formal commitment yet.

In 2020, Collins faced off against Sarah Gideon, winning despite significant pre-election support for Gideon.