A new poll shows incumbent Sen. Susan Collins narrowing the gap against Democratic challenger Graham Platner in Maine’s Senate race, with nearly half of likely voters describing the Democrat as “too extreme.”
The New York Times/Portland Press Herald/Siena College survey of 608 likely voters, conducted June 19-26, found Platner leading Collins 49% to 47%, with 3% undecided.
The margin of error is plus or minus 4.8 percentage points. The race has tightened from earlier surveys that showed Platner with a larger advantage.
Voter Concerns Over Platner’s Positions
Platner, 41, an oyster farmer and veteran, won the Democratic primary in June with strong progressive support. He backs single-payer healthcare, Supreme Court expansion, and a wealth tax. Sen. Bernie Sanders endorsed him.
The poll indicates those positions are costing him. A plurality of voters see him as too extreme, a view that has contributed to the shrinking lead.
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Collins, seeking a sixth term, has long positioned herself as a pragmatic moderate capable of working across party lines.
The Collins campaign has emphasized her role as the top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee. The poll found 61% of respondents believe she would do a better job delivering federal funds to Maine, compared with 34% for Platner.
Scandals Dog Platner Campaign
Platner’s bid has faced repeated setbacks from personal controversies. Multiple former girlfriends have accused him of physical abuse, which he denies. Reports also detailed sexting with other women while married and offensive comments on Reddit.
A chest tattoo resembling a Nazi SS Totenkopf symbol has drawn particular scrutiny. Platner has said he got the tattoo during military service as a drunken mistake and did not understand its significance until recently.
He has since covered it up. Former partners described the tattoo in messages months before Platner said he learned of its Nazi associations.
Despite the issues, Platner maintains support among the Democratic base. He has denied violence toward past partners and claims the tattoo was not intended as a political statement.
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Collins Leverages Incumbent Advantages
Collins has served in the Senate since 1997. In 2020, she trailed in polls but won re-election by 8.6 points. The current survey shows 60% of Maine voters disapproving of President Trump, a figure similar to 2020.
Democrats view Maine as their strongest pickup opportunity in the 2026 midterms. Collins remains the only Republican senator from New England. The race could help determine control of the Senate.
The poll results align with other recent surveys showing a close contest, though aggregates had previously given Platner a slightly larger edge. Platner’s lead in the RealClearPolitics average has fallen to around four points.
Maine’s electorate often rewards incumbents with proven records on issues like federal funding and bipartisanship. Collins has highlighted her consistent presence and committee influence.
Platner’s campaign argues his outsider background and progressive platform address voter frustration with Washington. Yet the poll suggests character and ideological concerns are limiting his support.
