Senate Democrats are increasingly showing support for Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and political newcomer, in the Maine Senate race, even as party leaders eye Governor Janet Mills as their preferred candidate. Platner, who has gained a notable following with his grassroots campaign, is challenging the conventional political strategy as he faces off against the seasoned politician.

Platner's campaign recently boasted a $4 million fundraising haul, with $1 million of that coming in just the last week, signaling his rising popularity. His ability to connect with voters across Maine has been praised by several Democratic senators, including Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), who recently showed his support by donating to Platner's campaign and sharing his viral videos with colleagues.

"I really appreciate people who are good communicators,” Heinrich noted. "Graham is somebody who can go anywhere in Maine and genuinely connect with people. We need more candidates like that."

Despite only having a public endorsement from Vermont independent Bernie Sanders, Platner's appeal is growing within the Senate, particularly among younger members and progressives. However, the challenge remains as the Democratic establishment, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, appears to be lining up behind Mills, who is strongly considering a run and has been interviewing potential campaign managers.

The Maine Senate race is crucial for Democrats' hopes of regaining the Senate majority, needing to flip four seats in the upcoming midterms. Senator Susan Collins, the only blue-state Republican in the Senate, has proven a tough opponent in past elections, making the choice of candidate especially significant for the Democrats.

While some senators like Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) have acknowledged Platner's strong start and compelling story, they remain non-committal about choosing between him and Mills. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) expressed enthusiasm for new candidates like Platner entering the race, highlighting the importance of fresh voices in the Senate.

As the race progresses, it will be a test of where the power lies within the Democratic Party's competing factions. With Mills' strong statewide popularity and the establishment's backing, Platner's campaign will need to continue building momentum to challenge the traditional dynamics of Maine's political landscape.