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Bernie Sanders Rallies Progressives for Graham Platner and Troy Jackson in Maine
PORTLAND, Maine — U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders traveled to Maine over Memorial Day weekend to energize the state’s progressive base, throwing his considerable political weight behind a pair of high-profile, labor-endorsed Democratic candidates ahead of the upcoming June primary elections.
The Independent senator from Vermont made consecutive campaign appearances on Sunday in Orono and Monday evening at Thompson's Point in Portland. The high-energy events drew hundreds of local voters and served as the latest stops on Sanders' ongoing nationwide "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, an initiative dedicated to challenging deep-pocketed corporate interests and the billionaire class.
Sanders focused his message on systemic economic reform, advocating for wealth redistribution, universal healthcare, and stronger protections for working-class families. During his remarks, Sanders threw full support behind local oyster farmer Graham Platner for the U.S. Senate and former state Senate President Troy Jackson for Governor, praising both men as authentic advocates for everyday workers.
A Push for a Political Revolution in the Senate
Graham Platner, a political newcomer and independent oyster farmer from Sullivan, has quickly captured grassroots momentum. Following the unexpected exit of Governor Janet Mills from the Senate primary race last month, Platner has emerged as a presumptive progressive frontrunner.
"We can have an economy and a government that works for the 99% and not just the 1%," Platner told the enthusiastic crowd gathered in Portland. "But we are not going to get any of this with speeches alone, or with any politician alone."
Platner, who faces a primary challenge from Democrat David Costello on June 9, called for nothing less than a "political revolution" to unseat five-term incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November general election.
The Five-Way Battle for the Blaine House
Meanwhile, Troy Jackson is navigating a highly competitive five-way Democratic primary for the gubernatorial nomination. A fifth-generation logger from Allagash, Jackson highlighted his long history of defending labor unions and rural communities within the state legislature.
Jackson pointed directly to the undue influence of corporate power holding back local communities, promising that a government under his administration would strictly serve the public interest. "The billionaires are going to be fine," Jackson said during his address. "That's not who I'm worried about. I'm fighting for us because you're my only special interest."
The joint appearances underscored a highly coordinated campaign strategy. In Maine’s ranked-choice voting system, Platner recently confirmed he cast his top gubernatorial vote for Jackson, while also ranking progressive allies Hannah Pingree and Shenna Bellows to consolidate support against primary polling leader Nirav Shah.
With Maine’s primary election day scheduled for June 9, local voters are preparing to decide whether this populist surge will define the state's political direction heading into the critical fall midterms.
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By: CNN Newsource
May 26, 2026
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