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2w ago

Ruben Gallego Backs Frontrunner Graham Platner, Deepening Maine Democrats’ Split

The move comes as polls show Platner leading, with controversies over a former Nazi‑like tattoo plus past online associations testing his electability.

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Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine Corps veteran from Sullivan, picked up a high-profile endorsement from Gallego, who is breaking from Democratic leadership, as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has endorsed Maine Gov. Janet Mills in the race to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
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Overview

  • Gallego endorsed Platner on Monday, praising the Marine veteran’s independence and working‑class focus, adding to support from Bernie Sanders and Martin Heinrich.
  • Senate Democratic leadership remains divided, with Chuck Schumer backing Gov. Janet Mills in a primary that could determine control of a key Senate seat against Susan Collins.
  • A University of New Hampshire/Pine Tree poll reported Platner leading Mills 64% to 26% in the Democratic primary, with the contest set for June 9.
  • Recent scrutiny includes a once‑visible chest tattoo Platner has since covered, a deleted repost of Stew Peters that the campaign called an error, and a January appearance where Platner told host Nate Cornacchia he was a longtime fan.
  • Platner has centered an anti‑war message, labeling U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran “un‑American,” urging repeal of the 2001 AUMF, and trading barbs with Ted Cruz after the senator referenced his tattoo.