Linville A. M. McDonough is a University of Maine at Farmington student majoring in political science and minoring in creative writing.

For years, the Democratic National Committee has gotten involved in state races. And for years, this has been viewed as a positive. Support from the DNC has meant more funding for a race and extra help for Democratic candidates. But what happens when candidates are not chosen by those who live in the state? 

Outside funding has too much influence in state politics, and now Maine has become involved in the battle of wills over who should represent us and the Democratic Party.

The party leaders are becoming increasingly out of touch with everyday voters. They fear losing votes, but at the same time, they are blind to what American voters need. Interest has shifted intensely to Maine heading into 2026, with the Senate seat held by Susan Collins being eyed as a potential seat to flip. 

In 2020, the DNC poured money into our state, hoping a Democrat could defeat Susan Collins. Ads were run with statements saying that Susan Collins had lost touch with Maine. 

A connection to Collins’ voters has always been her family’s history in Aroostook County. However, many people think that Collins’ time in D.C. has caused her to forget her roots. She has become more easily swayed into supporting bills that ultimately harm Mainers. We need a fresh face with a fresh perspective. That has been clear for years now. 

In 2020, the DNC chose Sara Gideon to run against her, and she gained support from outside organizations. Polls taken at that time showed she had a good chance of winning. However, when the election results were announced, Gideon secured only 42% of the vote. It became clear that she had not been the optimal choice for Maine. Polling had failed to adequately represent working-class and rural Mainers, an unbelievably ridiculous mistake. 

It did not matter what her polices were when it came down to the wire. As a candidate, she was unable to meld with voters in the 2nd Congressional District. Susan Collins’ Mainer roots were valued more than any change Gideon could bring. People felt a lack of connection with someone from Rhode Island, but that was ignored. The DNC had stuck its fingers in the race, but it didn’t understand how Maine works. 

Were Maine voters not asked who they wanted to represent them? Did they have enough of a say in the process? I don’t think we did. The Democrats acknowledged the problem, but the DNC has failed to agree on a solution. Will we see a repeat of the same mistakes made in 2020, again in 2026?

Graham Platner announced his run against Susan Collins with much support from both the 1st and 2nd congressional districts and liberal, moderate and conservative voters alike. He’s an oyster farmer, a veteran and a Mainer in all the best ways. His kindness and ability to reach out to people and build bridges has proven to be very successful, as he visits every town hall he can in this time.

Platner certainly has not been without controversy, but he has approached his past with an honest attitude, which most people appreciate. He has acknowledged and apologized for the offensive things he has said, and has spoken openly about his military service, his PTSD, his depression and the dark times in his life. 

What should be focused on is his ability to overcome these challenges and learn from his mistakes, but the Democrats in D.C. have started using his past mistakes as leverage against him to support their chosen candidate. 

They will likely spend a similar amount of money on anti-Platner campaigns to Susan Collins’ team. They did it with Zohran Mamdani, and they have even more motivation to get that Senate seat in the hands of someone they believe is best for us, Mainers. Or rather, the party. Whether we like it or not, money can tip the scale in a politician’s favor. It just depends on who has it and what their goals are.

Sen. Chuck Schumer and others have convinced Gov. Janet Mills, after months of persuasion and promises of support, to run against Susan Collins. Janet Mills has accomplished many good things for Maine, but she’s 77 and has been in politics for a long time. She has a history that can make her unintentionally biased. 

Mills would likely not run for a second term due to age. Consistency in who represents our state is important, but I’m not sure the DNC is thinking ahead for Maine’s future. 

It is hard to deny that some of Schumer’s support for Mills is self-motivated. Platner has said he is willing to go against Schumer if he thinks it’s in our best interest. Platner has also spoken out against corruption and has not been shy in saying he sees some of it in the Democratic Party.

The DNC’s involvement with this race so far is proof of its prejudice toward certain candidates, and it seems an awful lot like abuse of power or even corruption. Regardless of whether it’s money-motivated or not, the Democratic Party has been resistant to new candidates who want to shake things up. There is an unofficial club, and only approved Democrats are allowed to join.

New York and Mamdani are prime examples. Democrats in D.C. supported Andrew Cuomo despite clear cues from the people of New York City, who wanted Mamdani. Obviously, Platner differs from Mamdani in many ways, but there are similarities between them. 

Both have been tailored by their generation’s experience growing up, and both have clear goals for the future and are willing to fight for them. And both are being put against DNC-funded candidates who are already entrenched in politics.

It seems to me, and my generation, that every time we have a candidate who is outspoken and different, the DNC actively works against them. They are suppressing valuable voices, and candidates who inspire young voters and connect with everyday people are being overlooked before they have a chance to prove themselves. 

I don’t want Maine to become a victim of the DNC’s meddling and uninformed outside opinions again. Maine voters know what Maine needs, and we need to be left alone to figure it out.