History of Graham Platner in Timeline

Graham Platner is an American oyster farmer, harbormaster, and military veteran running in the 2026 Democratic primary for a U.S. Senate seat in Maine, challenging Republican Susan Collins. His platform centers on progressive and populist policies aimed at supporting the working class, advocating for affordable housing, Medicare for All, enhanced veterans' benefits, and increased taxes on the wealthy and corporations. His campaign has garnered national attention.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education

1984: Birth in Blue Hill

In 1984, Graham Platner was born in Blue Hill, Maine. He is the elder son of Leslie Harlow and Bronson Platner.

1984: Graham Platner Born

In 1984, Graham Platner was born. His exact birthdate is not specified in the text.

1985: Birth in Blue Hill

In 1985, Graham Platner was born in Blue Hill, Maine. He is the elder son of Leslie Harlow and Bronson Platner.

1985: Graham Platner Born

In 1985, Graham Platner was born. His exact birthdate is not specified in the text.

2003: Enlistment in the Marine Corps

In 2003, Graham Platner enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after graduating from high school. He attended the Marine Corps School of Infantry.

2003: Yearbook Superlative and Bush Protest

In 2003, Graham Platner received the "most likely to start a revolution" superlative in his high school yearbook. At 18, he was quoted in the Bangor Daily News protesting President George W. Bush and the Iraq War.

2005: Deployment to Iraq

In 2005, Graham Platner was deployed to Iraq, serving in areas including Ramadi and Fallujah.

2010: Establishment of Waukeag Neck Oyster Co.

In 2010, Jock Crothers founded Waukeag Neck Oyster Co., a small Frenchman Bay operation that supplies restaurants in Downeast Maine.

2011: Enlistment in the Maryland Army National Guard and Bartending Job

In 2011, Graham Platner enlisted in the Maryland Army National Guard and served a tour in Afghanistan. Upon returning to Washington, he resumed classes at GWU and worked as a bartender at the Tune Inn on Capitol Hill.

2016: Withdrawal from GWU and Return to Maine

In 2016, Graham Platner withdrew from George Washington University (GWU) and returned to Maine for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and other military-related injuries.

2018: Return to Kabul and Resignation

In 2018, Graham Platner returned to Kabul, Afghanistan as a State Department security contractor with Constellis (formerly Blackwater) for about six months before returning to Maine and expressing disillusionment with the military and defense companies.

2018: Oyster Farming and Return to Maine

In 2018, while on leave from Afghanistan, Graham Platner spent two weeks farming oysters with Jock Crothers. After resigning as a security contractor, he returned to Maine and began working at Waukeag Neck Oyster Co. full-time.

2020: Taking Over Waukeag Neck Oyster Co.

In 2020, Graham Platner took over Waukeag Neck Oyster Co., and now owns and operates it with his wife, Amy, and another business partner. The business is supplemented by his veteran benefits.

2024: Marriage to Amy Gertner

In the autumn of 2024, Graham Platner married Amy Gertner. She became the business manager for Waukeag Neck Oyster Co. in 2024.

August 19, 2025: Senate Campaign Launch

On August 19, 2025, Graham Platner launched his Senate campaign with a video highlighting his military and working-class credentials.

September 2025: Campaign Volunteer Growth

In September 2025, Graham Platner's campaign reported over 6,000 volunteers had joined since his August candidacy announcement. The volunteer network will also canvass against Maine's Question 1.

2026: United States Senate election in Maine

In 2026, Graham Platner is running in the Democratic primary in the United States Senate election in Maine, seeking to unseat Republican Susan Collins. His platform includes support for affordable housing, universal healthcare through Medicare for All, expanded veterans' benefits, and higher taxes on billionaires and large corporations.