Elizabeth Warren endorses Graham Platner in Maine Senate primary

Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorsed Graham Platner in the Maine Democratic primary, highlighting his working-class background and military service; the endorsement arrives as Gov. Janet Mills' campaign has aired an ad about Platner's past Reddit posts and the June primary approaches.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren announced her endorsement of Graham Platner in the Maine Democratic primary, praising his blue-collar background and military service. Warren's remarks appeared in a video shared by Platner's campaign and in a brief interview where she noted his apology for past online posts. The endorsement comes as Gov. Janet Mills, Platner's chief rival, has support from much of the party establishment and has run ads criticizing Platner's earlier social media comments. The June primary will determine who faces Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the November general election. Key details: - Warren said Platner has working-class roots, noting his work as an oyster farmer and his service as a combat veteran deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. - Warren noted Platner has apologized for a set of Reddit posts from 2013 that the Mills campaign has highlighted in an ad. - Warren praised Platner for not taking corporate PAC money and described him as a fighter for working families. - Gov. Janet Mills is viewed by many in Democratic leadership as the safer general election choice and is Platner's main rival in the crowded primary. - Platner is the sixth Senate candidate Warren has endorsed this cycle, following endorsements in other states. Summary: Warren's endorsement is a high-profile boost for Platner and shifts attention in a competitive Maine Democratic primary. The race remains contested as Mills presses attacks over Platner's past posts. The next scheduled milestone is the June primary, after which the winner will face Sen. Susan Collins in November.