Graham Platner, a military veteran and oysterman from Sullivan, Maine, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat. He aims to challenge Republican Susan Collins, who is expected to seek reelection next year. Platner made his announcement on Tuesday, sharing a campaign launch video that features him harvesting oysters and chopping wood. In the video, he expresses concern that Maine has become "essentially unlivable for working-class people."

In an interview with ABC News, Platner cited the widening wealth gap in the United States as a primary motivation for his campaign. He stated, "We are moving in a position where regular, working-class people can't even afford to live in the towns that they were born in." After serving four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Platner returned to his hometown of Sullivan, where he now works as an oysterman.

Platner's candidacy may draw comparisons to other Democratic candidates like Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman and Nebraska independent candidate Dan Osborn, both of whom have positioned themselves as advocates for the white working class. To support his campaign, Platner has enlisted the Fight Agency, a Democratic consulting firm with experience in high-profile campaigns.

"I drink coffee every morning with the guys that I work next to, who are friends of mine, who all voted for Donald Trump," Platner said. He believes his connection with these voters could help the Democratic Party regain its footing. He emphasized the need for the party to return to its roots as a champion of labor unions and community organizers.

When asked about the current leadership of the Democratic Party, Platner expressed admiration for progressive figures such as former Senator Sherrod Brown and Senators Bernie Sanders, Ed Markey, and Sheldon Whitehouse. He identified "Medicare for All" as a critical issue and described the situation in Gaza as a "genocide," aligning himself with the views of Israeli scholars on the matter.

On the contentious issue of transgender women's participation in sports, Platner called it a "distraction from the things that impact Americans materially every single day." He stated, "I am dedicated to equality and justice for all in this country," and criticized the media's focus on this topic, suggesting it diverts attention from essential issues like affordable healthcare.

Maine was recently at the center of a debate over transgender youth in sports, following a conflict between President Trump and Governor Janet Mills regarding an anti-discrimination law. Platner praised Mills for her defense of Maine's laws during that dispute. Mills, a Democrat, has not ruled out a Senate run and has been encouraged by national Democrats to consider challenging Collins.

Regarding a potential primary challenge from Mills, Platner urged Democrats to rethink their strategies. "I think we really need to start thinking outside of the box on the type of candidates that we're sending into these races," he said. When asked if he had received support from national Democrats, Platner replied, "Nobody has called me, and I'm not really in a position to call anybody because I'm the harbormaster of Sullivan, Maine."