Graham Platner, a military veteran and oyster farmer from Maine, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat. He aims to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, who is expected to seek reelection next year. Platner, a political newcomer, positions himself as a grassroots candidate appealing to a broad spectrum of voters, including some Trump supporters. His campaign has drawn attention for his outspoken criticism of Israel, including accusations of genocide in Gaza, which has prompted rebuke from Collins. The Maine GOP has criticized Platner for holding far-left policies, comparing him to a New York City mayoral candidate. Despite these controversies, some commentators have expressed optimism about Platner's potential to connect with voters through both his political stance and his background as an oyster farmer.