Arizona Senator Gallego Endorses Maine Democrat in Senate Race

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego has thrown his support behind Maine Democrat Graham Platner in his campaign to challenge Republican Susan Collins. Platner, an oyster farmer and combat veteran, continues building endorsements despite facing campaign controversies.

PORTLAND, Maine — A Maine Democratic candidate seeking to challenge a longtime Republican senator has secured another notable endorsement, demonstrating continued momentum despite ongoing campaign challenges.

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego announced his support Monday for Graham Platner, a first-time candidate who works as an oyster farmer and served as a combat veteran. Gallego praised Platner as embodying “the grit and independence that defines Maine.”

“Graham Platner is the kind of fighter Maine hasn’t seen in a long time, someone who tells you exactly what he thinks, doesn’t owe anything to the special interests, and wakes up every day thinking about working families,” Gallego stated. The Arizona Democrat secured his Senate position in 2024 with a victory margin exceeding 2 points, even as Trump won Arizona by nearly 6 points.

Platner’s endorsement list already includes Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who serves as an independent but works with Democrats, along with New Mexico’s Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has chosen to support Platner’s primary rival, Maine Governor Janet Mills.

The 41-year-old Platner and 78-year-old Mills are both targeting Republican Senator Susan Collins, age 73, who serves her fifth term and recently declared her intention to seek reelection. Securing a Maine victory represents a critical component of Democratic strategy to regain Senate control, with the party requiring four additional seats to achieve majority status. Democrats have identified Maine, North Carolina, Alaska, and Ohio as key battleground states.

Platner has built support through his outsider appeal and focus on economic fairness messaging. His campaign has weathered storms including scrutiny over past social media content and a tattoo that appeared similar to Nazi imagery, which he has since had modified.

Gallego, considered among potential Democratic presidential candidates for 2028, previously campaigned in New Jersey, Virginia, and Florida last fall, supporting Democrats who ultimately won their races.

“I have an immense amount of respect for him and I’m looking forward to joining him as a fellow Marine and combat infantryman in the U.S. Senate,” Platner commented in response to the endorsement.