Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego Backs Maine Senate Hopeful Graham Platner

Gallego says Platner 'reflects the grit and independence that defines Maine'

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego has endorsed Maine Democrat Graham Platner in his bid to flip a key Senate seat blue. Gallego praised Platner, a first-time candidate and combat veteran, as the kind of 'fighter Maine hasn't seen in a long time' who doesn't owe anything to special interests. Platner has also been endorsed by Bernie Sanders and Martin Heinrich, but is facing controversy over old social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.

Why it matters

This endorsement from Gallego, a rising star in the Democratic party, is a significant boost for Platner as he seeks to unseat Republican incumbent Susan Collins in a crucial Senate race that could determine control of the chamber. Platner's anti-establishment image and economic equality message have gained him traction, but he'll need to overcome the controversies that have dogged his campaign.

The details

Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer and combat veteran, is running against 78-year-old Maine Governor Janet Mills, who has the backing of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Both are hoping to unseat the five-term Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Platner has faced scrutiny over old social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he has since had covered up.

  • Gallego announced his endorsement of Platner on Monday, March 2, 2026.
  • Collins announced last month that she was running for another term.

The players

Ruben Gallego

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Arizona who won his seat in 2024. Gallego is considered a possible 2028 presidential contender.

Graham Platner

A 41-year-old Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, running as an anti-establishment, economic equality-focused first-time candidate.

Janet Mills

The 78-year-old Democratic Governor of Maine, who is also running for the U.S. Senate seat.

Susan Collins

The five-term Republican incumbent U.S. Senator from Maine who is running for re-election.

Chuck Schumer

The Democratic Senate Minority Leader, who has endorsed Platner's opponent Janet Mills.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Ruben Gallego, U.S. Senator from Arizona (ksgf.com)

“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.”

— Graham Platner, Democratic Senate Candidate (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This endorsement from Ruben Gallego is a significant boost for Graham Platner as he seeks to unseat the Republican incumbent Susan Collins in a crucial Senate race that could determine control of the chamber. However, Platner will need to overcome the controversies that have dogged his campaign, including old social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.