Overview
- Gallego praised Platner’s independence and working‑class focus, becoming the latest sitting senator to back the progressive newcomer.
- Platner has support from Bernie Sanders and Martin Heinrich, while Chuck Schumer and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee are lining up behind Gov. Janet Mills.
- A February University of New Hampshire/Pine Tree poll found Platner leading Mills 64% to 26% among likely Democratic primary voters.
- Platner’s campaign is contending with scrutiny over a now‑covered tattoo resembling a Nazi Totenkopf, a deleted repost from influencer Stew Peters the team called an error, and a January appearance on Nate Cornacchia’s YouTube show.
- Both Democrats are vying to challenge five‑term Republican Sen. Susan Collins, with critics in both parties warning that Platner’s controversies could affect general‑election viability ahead of the June 9 primary.