Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner drew nearly 800 people to a town hall in Biddeford on Wednesday night, delivering an aggressive, populist message that targeted President Donald Trump (R), Sen. Susan Collins (R), corporate power, and the political establishment in both parties. Campaign staff said more than 1,200 people RSVP’d for the event at Biddeford Middle School.
Platner, who is challenging Gov. Janet Mills (D) from the left in the Democratic primary, leaned heavily into a working-class, anti-establishment pitch. He argued that Washington has abandoned ordinary Mainers while enriching corporate interests, and he tied Trump and Collins directly to what he called a system designed to benefit the wealthy at everyone else’s expense.
Platner Uses Biddeford Stage to Attack Trump and Collins
Throughout the event, Platner repeatedly criticized President Trump, saying the president and his administration “will not fix health care,” “will not improve life for working people,” and will “double down on protecting their own power.” He linked Trump-era policies to hospital closures, rising health-care costs, and economic pressures on Maine families.
The oyster farmer also delivered sustained criticism of Collins, calling her a symbol of establishment politics and arguing that her votes and public posture have contributed to the erosion of rights, the weakening of social safety nets, and the decline of key institutions in Maine. Platner said Maine “deserves better than Susan Collins,” framing the race as a choice between status-quo leadership and a more confrontational, working-class-driven alternative.
Populist Message Focuses on Unions, Health Care, Housing
Platner continued to press his case that both major parties have allowed corporate donors to set the national agenda. He called for Medicare for All, a federal minimum wage increase, a billionaire minimum tax, and blocking private equity from purchasing single-family homes.
The campaign’s overall message centered on labor power, economic inequality, and what Platner said must become a statewide movement to “build real power” among workers. He urged attendees to organize in their towns, join unions, challenge landlords, and apply political pressure to elected officials.
Controversies Continue to Cast a Shadow
Platner’s crowds come as his campaign remains burdened by several high-profile controversies:
- A tattoo on his chest resembling a Nazi “Totenkopf” symbol, which he says he unknowingly received in 2007 and has since covered.
- Old Reddit comments resurfacing that included inflammatory statements about rural Americans, sexual assault survivors, and armed resistance. Platner says the posts came during a period of trauma and do not reflect his current views.
- Internal turmoil in his campaign, including staff departures and management shake-ups that party insiders say raise concerns about stability and readiness.
- Skepticism from establishment Democrats, who have rallied around Mills and publicly questioned whether Platner’s controversies could endanger a key Senate seat.
These issues have fueled questions about whether Platner can broaden his appeal beyond progressive activists, even as he continues to draw large and enthusiastic audiences.
Bold Push to Reshape the Supreme Court
Platner also reiterated his position that the U.S. Senate should use its authority to reform and potentially rein in the Supreme Court. He said “at least two” sitting justices could be candidates for impeachment based on ethics standards applied to lower federal judges. He again called for structural reforms that would give the Senate greater oversight over the Court and limit the power he says it has accumulated over time.
A Campaign Built on Confrontation and Movement Politics
While Mills has limited herself to tightly controlled public appearances, Platner has held more than 30 open-mic town halls across the state. He says direct access is essential and argues that Democrats cannot defeat Collins or push back against Trump’s influence without mobilizing working people through grassroots organizing.
