Warren Backs Outsider Over Maine Governor in Senate Race

Democratic primary contest between Platner and Mills heats up with high-profile endorsement

Mar. 20, 2026 at 2:00am

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren has endorsed Graham Platner, a political outsider and combat veteran, over Maine Gov. Janet Mills in the Democratic primary race to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November. Warren praised Platner as a fighter for working families against "billionaires and giant corporations," while Platner called Warren an inspiration. The endorsement could be significant, as Democratic officeholders are split on the race, with some high-profile senators backing each candidate.

Why it matters

The Maine Senate race is seen as a key battleground in the fight for control of the U.S. Senate, and Warren's endorsement of the more progressive Platner over the establishment-backed Mills could influence the outcome. The race has also become increasingly contentious, with Mills releasing an ad highlighting controversial past online comments made by Platner.

The details

Sens. Bernie Sanders, Ruben Gallego, and Martin Heinrich are supporting Platner, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto are backing Mills. Platner has disavowed his past comments about sexual assault, law enforcement, Black people, and tipping, blaming a troubled period after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Recent polling averages show Platner ahead of Mills, 48% to 36%.

  • On March 20, 2026, Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorsed Graham Platner over Maine Gov. Janet Mills in the Democratic primary race.

The players

Elizabeth Warren

A U.S. senator from Massachusetts and a prominent progressive voice in the Democratic Party.

Graham Platner

An oyster farmer and combat veteran who is running as a populist outsider in the Democratic primary for the Maine Senate seat.

Janet Mills

The current governor of Maine, who is running as the establishment-backed candidate in the Democratic primary for the Senate seat.

Susan Collins

The Republican incumbent senator from Maine who is seeking re-election.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader and a prominent Democratic senator who is backing Janet Mills in the primary.

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What they’re saying

“She praised Platner as a fighter for working families against "billionaires and giant corporations,”

— Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator

“I want to join her in taking on Wall Street and corruption in Washington.”

— Graham Platner, Candidate for U.S. Senate

What’s next

The Democratic primary election in Maine is scheduled for June 2026, and the winner will face off against Republican incumbent Susan Collins in the general election in November 2026.

The takeaway

Warren's endorsement of the more progressive Platner over the establishment-backed Mills in the Maine Senate race highlights the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party and could influence the outcome of this key battleground contest.