U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner is intensifying his insurgent campaign in Maine’s 2026 race, calling for sweeping investigations into Donald Trump and the potential impeachment of two sitting Supreme Court justices if elected.
Positioning himself as a progressive outsider, Platner said he wants Democrats to adopt a far more aggressive approach to power, including using Senate authority to launch wide-ranging probes into the Trump administration. He argued that if Democrats regain control of the chamber, they should deploy subpoena power extensively to investigate alleged misconduct across federal agencies.
Platner, who has gained momentum in recent polling, is running with the endorsement of Bernie Sanders and says he aims to carry forward Sanders’ political legacy, particularly on issues like wealth inequality and systemic reform. He is competing in a high-stakes Democratic primary against Janet Mills, while incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins prepares for a general election battle.
In a wide-ranging interview, Platner also proposed significant changes to the judicial system, including the possibility of expanding the Supreme Court and supporting impeachment efforts against Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. He cited ethical concerns, particularly surrounding Thomas’ relationship with Republican donor Harlan Crow, as justification for potential removal proceedings.
Platner emphasized that impeachment efforts should be strategic, noting that without sufficient Senate votes to convict, resources may be better directed toward investigations rather than symbolic actions. He also backed imposing stricter ethics standards on the Supreme Court.
Beyond institutional reforms, the candidate called for grassroots mobilization, including organizing a national anti-war movement in response to U.S. military actions abroad, particularly in relation to Iran. He criticized Democratic leadership for relying too heavily on formal political structures rather than public organizing.
Despite his progressive platform, Platner diverged from many Democrats on gun policy, stating he does not support a ban on semi-automatic weapons. Instead, he advocates for expanded background checks, red-flag laws, and increased mental health services as a more effective approach to reducing gun violence.
He also signaled a willingness to challenge party leadership, saying he would not support Chuck Schumer remaining as Senate Democratic leader. Platner floated alternative figures within the party, including Chris Van Hollen, Mark Kelly, Chris Murphy, and Brian Schatz, as potential successors.
The race in Maine is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests of the 2026 election cycle, as Platner’s rise signals growing appetite among some voters for a more confrontational and reform-driven political agenda.