Graham Platner, a veteran and oyster farmer who campaigned on government-funded healthcare and free education, won the Maine Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate. He will challenge five-term Republican Senator Susan Collins in a high-stakes November election.

Platner, initially backed by progressive Democrats, gained establishment support after Maine Governor Janet Mills dropped out in April due to poor ratings. His “man of the people” pitch resonated with moderates and progressives, drawing substantial funding.

“In November, Maine voters will elect Graham Platner, and we will win a Senate majority,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. Platner’s mother expressed pride in her son, while Platner acknowledged past mistakes, stating “people can change.”

In South Carolina, Trump-backed Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette advanced to a gubernatorial runoff, while Senator Lindsey Graham easily won his primary. In Nevada, Trump-endorsed Marty O’Donnell won the Republican primary in a key House district.

Platner’s campaign focused on cost of living, housing, and healthcare. Despite revelations of sexually explicit messages and a Nazi symbol tattoo, his anti-establishment appeal held. Platner attributed his past behavior to PTSD from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Source: www.aljazeera.com