Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego Endorses Maine Senate Hopeful Graham Platner

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

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego has endorsed first-time candidate Graham Platner in his bid to flip a key Senate seat in Maine. Gallego, who won a Senate seat in Arizona in 2024, praised Platner's anti-establishment image and economic equality message, saying he 'reflects the grit and independence that defines Maine.' Platner has also been endorsed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, though Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has backed Platner's main opponent, Maine Gov. Janet Mills. Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer and combat veteran, is hoping to unseat five-term Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins.

Why it matters

This endorsement from Gallego, a rising star in the Democratic party, is a significant boost for Platner's campaign as he seeks to flip a crucial Senate seat in Maine. The race is seen as crucial for Democrats' efforts to retake control of the Senate, which they need to net four seats to do. Platner's anti-establishment message and military background could also help him appeal to independent and Republican-leaning voters in the state.

The details

Platner has gained traction with his anti-establishment image and economic equality message, pressing forward despite controversies over old social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he recently had covered up. Gallego, who is among the Democrats named as possible 2028 presidential contenders, stumped for Democrats in several key states last fall and is now throwing his support behind Platner.

  • Gallego announced his endorsement of Platner on Monday, March 2, 2026.
  • Platner is running to unseat incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who announced last month that she is running for another term.

The players

Ruben Gallego

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Arizona who won his seat in 2024. Gallego is seen as a rising star in the Democratic party and is among those named as possible 2028 presidential contenders.

Graham Platner

A 41-year-old first-time Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, running to unseat incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Platner is an oyster farmer and combat veteran who has gained traction with his anti-establishment image and economic equality message.

Susan Collins

The five-term Republican incumbent U.S. Senator from Maine who announced last month that she is running for another term.

Janet Mills

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

Chuck Schumer

The Democratic Senate Minority Leader, who has endorsed Janet Mills in the Maine Senate race.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (Associated Press)

“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, Maine Senate Candidate (Associated Press)

What’s next

The race between Platner, Mills, and incumbent Sen. Susan Collins is expected to be highly competitive as Democrats aim to flip the Senate seat in Maine.

The takeaway

Gallego's endorsement of the political outsider Platner signals the Democratic party's interest in appealing to independent and working-class voters in Maine, a key battleground state, as they seek to retake control of the Senate in 2026.