Maine Voter Calls for Replacing Sen. Collins with Graham Platner

Letter writer says Platner would better represent the needs of working-class Mainers.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:12am

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An abstract, fragmented painting of a government building in shades of green, blue, and gold, conveying a sense of motion and disruption in Maine's political sphere.A fractured, avant-garde depiction of Maine's political landscape captures the growing tensions and competing visions for the state's future.Kittery Point Today

A longtime Maine voter is urging the state to replace Sen. Susan Collins with Graham Platner, an alternate Senate candidate. The letter writer argues that Collins represents 'big government that ignores the needs of many Maine voters', while Platner would focus on creating a government that addresses the needs of Mainers who work for a living and struggle to pay their bills and feed their families.

Why it matters

This letter highlights the growing discontent among some Maine voters with the incumbent Sen. Collins and a desire for a Senator who will better represent the interests of the state's working-class residents. It also reflects the broader political dynamics in Maine, where progressive candidates are challenging more moderate Democrats and Republicans.

The details

The letter writer, Richard Holzer of Kittery Point, Maine, says he was impressed the first time he heard Platner speak, noting Platner's focus on 'creating a government that addresses the needs of Mainers who work for a living and strive to pay their bills and feed their families.' Holzer contrasts Platner's vision with that of Janet Mills, whom he says 'would be far better senator than Susan Collins, yet I'm not excited about voting for her' because 'she seems to me to represent the powerful interests in the state.' Holzer highlights Platner's policy positions, including support for single-payer healthcare, pro-labor policies, and protecting immigrants' rights.

  • The letter was published on April 9, 2026.

The players

Susan Collins

The incumbent U.S. Senator from Maine, a Republican who has held the seat since 1997.

Graham Platner

An alternate Senate candidate in Maine who the letter writer argues would better represent the interests of the state's working-class residents.

Janet Mills

The current Governor of Maine, a Democrat who the letter writer says would be a better Senator than Susan Collins but still represents 'the powerful interests in the state.'

Richard Holzer

A longtime Maine voter and the author of the letter urging the replacement of Sen. Collins with Graham Platner.

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What they’re saying

“The first time I heard Graham Platner speak to a packed theater (in Ogunquit), I was impressed by his focus on creating a government that addresses the needs of Mainers who work for a living and strive to pay their bills and feed their families.”

— Richard Holzer, Kittery Point Resident

The takeaway

This letter reflects the growing political divide in Maine, with some voters seeking a more progressive Senator who will prioritize the needs of the state's working-class residents over the interests of the political establishment. The race between Collins, Platner, and Mills could be a closely watched contest that helps shape the future direction of Maine politics.