Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner appeared alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders at a progressive rally in Portland, leaning into democratic socialist themes as he campaigns to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Platner, the presumptive Democratic nominee in Maine’s Senate race, spoke at Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” rally, where he called for a political revolution and attacked corporate power, billionaires and establishment politicians.
The event was aimed at energizing progressive activists ahead of the midterm elections and expanding grassroots support for left-wing candidates in Maine.
During his remarks, Platner accused corporations and billionaires of profiting while working Americans struggle. He also criticized Collins, claiming her style of politics benefits wealthy interests while leaving ordinary people behind.
TRENDING TODAY
Platner told the crowd that progressives must take back power from corporations, billionaires and politicians he described as corrupt.
His speech closely echoed Sanders’ longtime economic message, including attacks on health insurance companies, corporate greed and wealth inequality.
Platner also criticized U.S. military spending tied to conflicts in the Middle East, saying taxpayer money should be used to build schools and hospitals in the United States rather than fund bombs abroad.
Sanders later praised Platner as a key ally for the progressive movement, telling the crowd that electing him to the Senate could help transform American politics.
The Vermont senator also linked Platner to his proposal for a 5% annual wealth tax on U.S. billionaires, saying Platner would fight alongside him on the issue.
Sanders warned that a small number of billionaires could gain too much control over the future of artificial intelligence, robotics and the American economy.
The rally highlights Platner’s effort to position himself as a left-wing populist in the race against Collins, one of the Senate’s most prominent Republican incumbents.
But the strategy also carries risks. Platner is already facing scrutiny over past online comments, including remarks about the military and a Purple Heart recipient. Aligning closely with Sanders could energize progressive voters, but it may also give Republicans more ammunition to portray him as too far left for Maine.
The Maine Senate race is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests of the cycle as Democrats attempt to flip Collins’ seat and expand their influence in the Senate.
Why It Matters
Platner’s appearance with Sanders shows he is not running as a moderate Democrat. He is betting that anti-corporate, anti-billionaire and anti-war messaging can mobilize Maine voters, even as Republicans try to frame him as extreme.
What Comes Next
Platner will likely continue courting progressive support while Republicans focus on his past comments and his alliance with Sanders. The race against Susan Collins could become a test of whether democratic socialist messaging can win in a competitive Senate battleground.
A related clip showed Graham Platner praising Bernie Sanders during a Portland rally as he courted progressive voters in Maine.
Graham Platner gushes over Socialist Bernie Sanders:
PLATNER: “The last time, well before last night, I shared a state with Senator ‘Standers,’ it was here in Portland 13 days after we launched this campaign…to tell you the truth it still feels as surreal today.” pic.twitter.com/Ty91DOevvM
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 25, 2026
