Mainers Want Fresh New Faces to Repesent them in Washington, DC Such as Oyster Farmer and US Marine Vet Graham Platner, 41.
Late this afternoon a group of state lawmakers and community leaders joined Graham Platner at a press conference to push back on Governor Janet Mills’ latest attack ad and rally behind Platner’s campaign for US Senate from Maine.
The group spoke about Graham’s character and the movement that is being built in Maine. They also blasted not only Governor Mills’ decision to go negative against Graham – but also the disconnect between her attacks against Graham and her own record, citing the broader lack of vision and urgency in addressing the challenges facing Mainers every day.
State Rep. Valli Geiger shared a story about the governor vetoing her bill to ensure rape kits are inventoried and tracked and how Graham helped get the bill to pass. Rep Geiger called out Governor Mills’ hypocrisy for voting her legislation for rape kits. “I received a letter four years ago from a constituent telling me that Maine was the only state left in the Union that had not yet passed a rape reform bill….So I put in a bill, to inventory and track rape kits…….Sadly, the governor vetoed that bill the next year…When Graham heard about it, he said to me, “Valli this is a really important bill. How can I help you get it passed? How can I use my volunteers and my supporters to get this bill passed for you? He invited me to come to a town hall in South Portland and speak about it. He invited attendees to contact the governor and their legislators…two weeks later, the governor announced that she had placed the funding needed for the bill………This is how change happens.”
Dave Sullivan, International Association of Machinists Vice President, condemned Governor Mills’ attacks: “This approach is horrible and it lowers the standard and distracts from the meaningful debate we all deserve better in this room and in this state. People in Maine deserve a campaign grounded in facts and a vision for the future, not misleading political theater…….And I would say to Mills: just imagine if they had the internet 78 years ago, where would you be today?
His statement continues: “The last eight years as governor, why would anybody here send you to DC? And lastly, a message to the DC Democrats like Chuck Shumer and the DSCC, who support Mills — save your millions of dollars because the people of Maine will decide who is best for our state, not you.”
Megan Smith, of Maine People’s Alliance, spoke to the movement that Graham is building: “It is reallyt disappointing to see the Democratic establishment in Washington and their candidate chose to run a negative primary at a time when we should be focused on defeating Senator Collins and delivering for the people of Maine. He’s reaching people who have felt disillusioned with politics for years. He’s engaging people who have never seen themselves as political before…….We don’t need more of the same. We don’t need politics as usual.”
Rebecca Hartwell, volunteer and Mainer, spoke about why she trusts Graham and his vicion for change: “When I see blatant smear campaigns from other Democrats against the only candidate who is meaningfully telling us to wake up and do something to stop the abuse, I feel like I”m being told it’s not that bad. Like the establishment is telling me that Graham is not allowed to stand up to anything unevolved now, no matter how much he has changed over 13 years. Like they think we are all going to just nod and agree when they tell us that we shouldn’t take the risk of reaching for something new and better, since that abusive system might break too far if we hold all of it accountble.”
Dega Dhaiac, State Representative in South Portland, spoke about the agenda Graham is fighing for and why it matters for communities and people across Maine: “This moment calls for a leadership that is focused on the real challenges prople are facing every day, from the rising cost of living, to access to health care and the need for stronger more equitable communities. Graham has been clear about this commitment to advancing universal health care. Standing for Wabanaki sovereignty and self-determination and building an economy that works for all new people………At a time when our state and country are facing so much division and negativity, political attacks are not what we need right now.”
Platner addressed his past comments in October with a heartfelt apology, taking responsibility and answering questions directly from voters. Sine then, he has held more than 50 town halls across the state to hear from Mainers. Governor Mills has held none. At the press conference, Graham reiterated his apology and thanked the crowd for standing behind a movement that will deliver real change for Maine.
Graham lives in Sullivan with his wife, Amy, just three doors from the house where he grew up.
For information on how Graham is leading Lame Duck Mills and Spineless Collins in all independent polls, please visit post herein dated February 24, 2026.