In a surprising twist in Maine's political landscape, three labor unions have thrown their support behind Senate candidate Graham Platner, who is challenging Governor Janet Mills in the Democratic primary. The United Auto Workers (UAW) announced their endorsement yesterday, joining the Maine State Nurses Association and the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. This trio of endorsements could significantly influence the ideological battle within the Democratic Party.

The UAW, representing nearly 2,000 workers in Maine, voiced strong support for Platner. UAW President Shawn Fain criticized the current economic disparities in the U.S., stating, "Inequality is out of control in our country. Today, the top 1% have more wealth than the bottom 95% of humanity combined. Graham understands this, and at a time when too many politicians take their cues from billionaires and corporate lobbyists, he has chosen to stand with the working class.”

Governor Mills launched her campaign just a day before the UAW's endorsement of Platner, after being recruited by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Schumer believes Mills represents the Democrats' best chance to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins. However, Platner, an oyster farmer and newcomer to politics, has been gaining momentum. He secured an early endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders in August, and has received praise from other Democratic Senators including Martin Heinrich and Chris Murphy.

The Maine State Nurses Association has portrayed Platner as a defender against health care cuts proposed in the Republicans' One Big Beautiful Bill law. Juliana Hansen, a nurse at Maine Medical Center, emphasized Platner's commitment to health care, stating, "Amid the recklessness with which the Trump administration and his Republican-controlled Congress treat everyday working people, Graham Platner heard his calling to stand with nurses, our patients, and our communities to build a better country for all of us."

As the primary race heats up, the support from these labor unions not only strengthens Platner's campaign but also signals a potential shift in the Democratic Party’s approach to addressing the needs of working-class Americans. Neither Mills' nor Platner's campaigns responded immediately to requests for comment.