Democrats still pine for Mills as Maine upstarts seek the Senate
Burgess Everett
Semafor
September 4, 2025
Democrats have the choice between oysters and craft beer in the Maine Senate race. Many of them are still pining for more traditional fare…
While the left has embraced Platner, neither younger Senate candidate aligns with it entirely. Kleban described himself as a “get-shit done Democrat” and “pragmatic,” while Platner rejected the progressive label and said he would not campaign on his liberal bona fides: “If I do, something has happened, and you should probably call somebody.”
There are also key differences emerging between the two newcomers to politics.
Platner says he would not support Schumer as Democratic leader, while Kleban says he’s “not focused on that” right now.
And while Platner indicated that he wants Democrats to oppose a GOP government funding deal, Kleban said a shutdown would hurt small businesses like his, preferring “to find a solution that helps every-day working class Mainers.”
After lying fallow for months, the primary could still grow. Jordan Wood, a former congressional aide, jumped into the race early on a platform of transparency. And Maine Statehouse Speaker Ryan Fecteau could enter the contest if Mills does not…
Other than speaking to Sanders, Platner has not discussed the race with other congressional Democrats — some of whom privately question whether Mills, who would be the oldest freshman senator if elected, is the solution to their routine failure to beat Collins.
But Platner said he’ll reach out soon.
“Somebody asked me, like, did you call down to DC? And I was flippant, but it’s not a joke. I didn’t, because I don’t know who to call. I mean, I’m the harbor master of Sullivan, Maine,” Platner said. “These are conversations I actually want to have.”
Kleban quickly won support from state Senate President Mattie Daughtry and the Maine Brewers Guild; he said he’s “not interested” in prioritizing support from Washington…
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