Graham Platner Ousts Sitting Governor in Maine Primary With Economic Populism
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 9
Graham Platner Ousts Sitting Governor in Maine Primary With Economic Populism
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 9
Summary
Maine Democrat Graham Platner forced a sitting governor out of the primary after voters rallied to his economic-populist message.
More than 30 people interviewed by the New York Times described a campaign that rose quickly on viral videos and packed town halls, turning the little-known oyster farmer and Marine veteran into a national progressive favorite.
That ascent came despite concerns from people close to Platner about his mental health, including ongoing recovery from PTSD after tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Progressives had viewed Platner as a top chance to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins in a race that could help decide Senate control, widening the stakes beyond Maine.