Overview

• Bernie Sanders endorsed Graham Platner for U.S. Senate and Troy Jackson for governor at a Portland rally on his Fighting Oligarchy tour.
• Sanders' office put attendance at roughly 6,500 at the Cross Insurance Arena, underscoring rising grassroots interest.
• Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer, drew repeated ovations with populist themes and a call to stop U.S. funding for Israel’s campaign in Gaza.
• Early reports say Platner raised more than $1 million in his first nine days as a candidate, signaling small-donor momentum.
• The Democratic field remains fluid, with Gov. Janet Mills considering a bid as national party figures explore alternatives to take on Collins.