Don’t Mamdani Our Maine

With Gov. Janet Mills out of the Democratic primary for Sen. Susan Collins’s seat, Mainers are going to get a clearer look at the kind of choice in front of us. And if we’re not careful, Maine could end up importing New York City’s latest far-left political experiment.

In last year’s mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani campaigned on radical policies like government-run grocery stores, free buses, and free child care. He spent more of his time attacking President Donald Trump or appeasing the antisemitic wing of his base rather than explaining how he would realistically implement any of his extreme — and costly — agenda.

Now, just over four months into Mayor Mamdani’s term, most of his promises have predictably fallen flat, and the city is in bad shape. Basic services are under strain in New York City; costs continue to rise, and leaders are pushing policies that make it harder for businesses and the jobs they create to stay. All of this is unfolding alongside a record $125 billion budget proposal and plans for major tax increases that are already driving workers and employers out.

Mainers should take this as a warning of what could come to the Pine Tree State, because the same playbook is starting to play out here.

The same Democratic activist networks that propelled Zohran Mamdani from obscurity to power are now lining up behind U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner in Maine.

Platner’s campaign is being run by Morris Katz, a Washington, D.C. strategist who helped engineer Mamdani’s rise from single-digit polling to a double-digit primary upset. In fact, Katz was recruited by Democratic operatives to find and build a candidate in that same mold, and he landed on Platner.

Platner has the same policy positions and extreme views as Mamdani, just packaged a little bit differently. Despite attending an expensive and elite prep school, Platner has leaned heavily into anti-establishment rhetoric, pretending to be a champion of the “working class” while calling for dismantling what he describes as a “billionaire economy.”

Like many candidates in this lane, his campaign launched with a viral video designed to tap into frustration and division, backed by national progressive networks tied to figures like Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Elizabeth Warren, and, of course, Zohran Mamdani.

The Democrat operatives behind Platner’s campaign might be having him dress a certain way or embrace this false persona to try to relate to some Mainers, but the reality is that Platner’s policies are the same as those of Mamdani, Ocasio-Cortez, and Sanders. He has held a series of positions well outside the mainstream in Maine. He backs the Green New Deal and sweeping expansions of federal control over the economy. He has called for abolishing ICE and prosecuting its agents. He has supported efforts to target political opponents through impeachment and legal action, as well as pursuing the impeachment of conservative Supreme Court justices.

And despite Platner’s complete rebrand over the course of the campaign, he cannot hide his true colors and long-standing extremism.

In since-deleted posts, Platner described himself as a “communist.” Platner has also referred to our police officers as “opportunistic cowards,” made remarks assigning responsibility to victims of sexual assault, and posted racially charged comments. He said rural white Americans “actually are” racist and stupid. Then, of course, there is the Totenkopf tattoo across his chest, a symbol long associated with Nazi units who terrorized Jews, the disabled, and supporters of democracy.

None of this sounds like the Maine we all know and love.

As a State Representative in Maine, the conversations I have with constituents are a lot more grounded. People are worried about the cost of living, rising electricity bills, and whether their kids will have the opportunity to stay and build a life here. They want safe communities, a stable economy, and leaders who are focused on practical solutions. And they definitely don’t want Mamdani-style big city socialism.

Maine has always valued independence and common sense. We don’t need to follow this path of experimenting with extreme policies that drive up costs and create uncertainty. We need leaders who understand our state, respect the people who live here, and are focused on delivering real results.

Platner’s campaign may be fueled by national attention and outside influence. But this election will be decided by Mainers and the direction we choose for our state.

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Laurel Libby is a member of the Maine House of Representatives.