BANGOR, Maine — Republican Sen.Susan Collins believes that Graham Platner, her likely Democratic challenger in November's midterm elections, is too extreme for voters in her New England state.But Platner, pushing an economically populist agenda as he takes aim at corporate influences and advocates for the working class, argues it's moderate Collins who is the "radical" one.With the support of Sen.
Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Sen.Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Rep.
Ro Khanna of California, Platner is aiming to unseat the longtime Republican senator in left-leaning Maine.The race is among a handful that could determine if the GOP holds onto its slim Senate majority in the midterm elections, and the oyster farmer has been forced onto defense in recent weeks amid mounting controversies and negative headlines.IT'S JUDGMENT DAY FOR EMBATTLED DEMOCRAT GRAHAM PLATNERGraham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S.Senate, speaks to an overflow crowd outside a campaign event Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Portland, Maine.
(Robert F.Bukaty/AP Photo)While Collins has mostly kept quiet about Platner's political baggage, she has weighed in on his agenda.Among his many progressive policy stances, Platner, on his campaign website, urges "passing a constitutional amendment to ban billionaires buying elections!"And he highlights that he's "a strong supporter of a Medicare for All system" and that he "will support a path to citizenship and an end to the mass deportation machine."Asked if Platner is too far to the left for voters in her northern New England state, Collins responded in a Fox News Digital interview last month, "I believe that will be the conclusion of Maine voters.
But, obviously, I don't take anything for granted."But Platner challenges that it's Collins who is too "radical."CLICK HERE FOR FOX NEWS LIVE UPDATES ON TODAY'S PRIMARY ELECTIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY"My response is that, trying to bring down costs for working Mainers.Trying to make sure that our communities ...