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The United Auto Workers* said today that it has endorsed Graham Platner who is running in the Democratic primary for the 2026 United States Senate election in Maine. The UAW represents ~2000 workers in Maine, including marine draftsmen at Bath Iron Works, non-profit employees, workers at the Portland Museum of Art, and graduate employees across the University of Maine System.
“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,” said UAW President Shawn Fain.
“As a U.S. military veteran, oyster farmer, and proud lifelong Mainer, Graham Platner is a true fighter for the working class. His campaign is grounded in rebuilding the American dream for working people who can no longer afford a good life. His service and his background give him the leadership needed to fight for policies that put the needs of workers first and demand bold solutions to our economic and political crises,” the UAW said in a news release.
“He’s focused on the real problems facing workers across this country – not the distractions the billionaire class uses to divide us. His campaign is rooted in the same core issues our union fights for every day: a living wage, affordable health care, retirement security, and time outside of work to actually live our lives. The UAW is proud to endorse candidates like Platner taking on the broken status quo.”
The Graham Platner Platform – Where I Stand
“Maine is becoming unaffordable for thousands and thousands of us. Why? Because we have a government by, of, and for billionaires, who are building a ‘billionaire economy’ that none of us can afford. I’m not just running against Susan Collins: I’m running against the billionaire class that owns her and all of Washington. We should not settle for politicians who speak in vague generalities about policy. Here is where I stand.
“Most importantly, I want to hear from you, as this platform grows and develops. Please reach out to info@grahamforsenate.com with any thoughts or additions you might have, or to schedule a further conversation.
Overview
“America has entered a new Gilded Age. We have a government of, by, and for billionaires: a direct consequence of disastrous court decisions, capped by Citizens United, that have allowed billionaires to buy elections.
“As a result, they have built a ‘billionaire economy.’. One that creates explosive growth for a tiny, privileged few, for a handful of billionaires and multi-national corporations; and inflation, stagnation, and decline for the rest of us.
“In 1990 there were 66 billionaires in America. Today there are over 900. When you look around, do you see a community that is over 10 times wealthier than in 1990?
“And so, while my platform spans many issues, I view most of my job as a US Senator as to do two things: one, to ban billionaires buying elections; two, to dismantle the ‘billionaire economy,’ in favor of an economy that works for the American worker, for small business, for the vast majority of Americans. I will be a Senator for all those who can’t buy Senators,” said Senate candidate Graham Platner. “Please reach out to info@grahamforsenate.com with any thoughts or additions you might have, or to schedule a further conversation,” Platner asked.
UAW Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla said, “Graham Platner has emerged as a voice for the people of Maine fed up with the corrupting influence of the oligarchy and money in our politics. More importantly, he is building a mass movement that will not only power his campaign but will be ready to take on the challenges facing working families in Maine and across the country once in office. Our members are ready to hit the ground running with Graham’s campaign and take back the power for Maine’s working class.”
“I think he’s the real deal,” said Trent Vellela, president of the UAW’s Maine CAP Council from Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association (BMDA-UAW Local 3999 ). “Graham directly addresses the hard issues in a straightforward and relatable way. He is clear about his principles and his plan to achieve positive outcomes for the working people of Maine. We’re excited to endorse Graham Platner for Senate and look forward to seeing him in DC.”
AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
UAW Endorses Graham Platner for U.S. Senate in Maine
Click for more.
The United Auto Workers* said today that it has endorsed Graham Platner who is running in the Democratic primary for the 2026 United States Senate election in Maine. The UAW represents ~2000 workers in Maine, including marine draftsmen at Bath Iron Works, non-profit employees, workers at the Portland Museum of Art, and graduate employees across the University of Maine System.
“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,” said UAW President Shawn Fain.
“As a U.S. military veteran, oyster farmer, and proud lifelong Mainer, Graham Platner is a true fighter for the working class. His campaign is grounded in rebuilding the American dream for working people who can no longer afford a good life. His service and his background give him the leadership needed to fight for policies that put the needs of workers first and demand bold solutions to our economic and political crises,” the UAW said in a news release.
“He’s focused on the real problems facing workers across this country – not the distractions the billionaire class uses to divide us. His campaign is rooted in the same core issues our union fights for every day: a living wage, affordable health care, retirement security, and time outside of work to actually live our lives. The UAW is proud to endorse candidates like Platner taking on the broken status quo.”
The Graham Platner Platform – Where I Stand
“Maine is becoming unaffordable for thousands and thousands of us. Why? Because we have a government by, of, and for billionaires, who are building a ‘billionaire economy’ that none of us can afford. I’m not just running against Susan Collins: I’m running against the billionaire class that owns her and all of Washington. We should not settle for politicians who speak in vague generalities about policy. Here is where I stand.
“Most importantly, I want to hear from you, as this platform grows and develops. Please reach out to info@grahamforsenate.com with any thoughts or additions you might have, or to schedule a further conversation.
Overview
“America has entered a new Gilded Age. We have a government of, by, and for billionaires: a direct consequence of disastrous court decisions, capped by Citizens United, that have allowed billionaires to buy elections.
“As a result, they have built a ‘billionaire economy.’. One that creates explosive growth for a tiny, privileged few, for a handful of billionaires and multi-national corporations; and inflation, stagnation, and decline for the rest of us.
“In 1990 there were 66 billionaires in America. Today there are over 900. When you look around, do you see a community that is over 10 times wealthier than in 1990?
“And so, while my platform spans many issues, I view most of my job as a US Senator as to do two things: one, to ban billionaires buying elections; two, to dismantle the ‘billionaire economy,’ in favor of an economy that works for the American worker, for small business, for the vast majority of Americans. I will be a Senator for all those who can’t buy Senators,” said Senate candidate Graham Platner. “Please reach out to info@grahamforsenate.com with any thoughts or additions you might have, or to schedule a further conversation,” Platner asked.
UAW Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla said, “Graham Platner has emerged as a voice for the people of Maine fed up with the corrupting influence of the oligarchy and money in our politics. More importantly, he is building a mass movement that will not only power his campaign but will be ready to take on the challenges facing working families in Maine and across the country once in office. Our members are ready to hit the ground running with Graham’s campaign and take back the power for Maine’s working class.”
“I think he’s the real deal,” said Trent Vellela, president of the UAW’s Maine CAP Council from Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association (BMDA-UAW Local 3999 ). “Graham directly addresses the hard issues in a straightforward and relatable way. He is clear about his principles and his plan to achieve positive outcomes for the working people of Maine. We’re excited to endorse Graham Platner for Senate and look forward to seeing him in DC.”
AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.