Platner is the latest Democrat to announce his candidacy in the 2026 senate race against the incumbent Collins. Others include Jordan Woods, the former chief of staff to then-Rep. Katie Porter, and David Costello, who ran against Maine Independent Sen. Angus King in 2024.

A U.S. military veteran and oyster farmer on Tuesday launched a bid to unseat Republican U.S. Senator Susan Collins in Maine, as his party fights an uphill battle to try to recapture control of the chamber in next year's midterm elections.