Democratic Senate candidate Eric Platner, a combat veteran and oyster farmer, responded to former President Donald Trump’s label of him as the “worst person to ever run for office” after winning Maine’s Democratic primary. Platner vowed to challenge what he called the “oligarchy” that backs Republican Sen. Susan Collins, arguing that his grassroots, small‑donor model threatens entrenched welth in politics.

Trump’s “worst person” label sparks Platner’s anti‑oligarchy rally

Trump’s tweet calling Platner a “thug” and the “worst person” to run for office was framed by Platner as evidence of elite fear. “They think they’re above the law, but they’ll learn otherwise,” Platner said, accusing Trump and his billionaire allies of tryinng to silence a working‑class movement.

Small‑donor engine: $26 average gift, 15,000 volunteers

According to the source , Platner’s campaign relies on an average donation of $26 and has mobilized more than 15,000 volunteers across Maine, contrasting sharply with Susan Collins, who has received roughly $10 million from nearly 100 billionaires . This financial gap underscores Platner’s claim that “the will of working Mainers cannot be defeated by establihment money.”

Collins’ billionaire backing versus Platner’s outsider brand

The report notes that about 100 billionaires have contributed to Collins’ campaign, a figure that Platner’s manager Ben Chin says highlights the “Epstein class” trying to buy elections.. Platner’s background in the military, local business, and oyster farming is presented as a direct counter‑point to career politicians.

Unanswered : How will national Democrats fund a fight against billionaire money?

While Platner emphasizes small‑donor power, the source does not detail whether the national Democratic Party will pour additional resources into the race, leaving open the question of whether his grassroots model can scale against the deep pockets supporting Collins.