Maine Senate race tight as Graham Platner pulls ahead of Susan Collins in latest polls
Recent New York Times/Portland Press Herald/Siena polls show Democrat Graham Platner holding a narrow lead over incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the 2026 Maine U.S. Senate contest, with 49 % to 47 % of likely‑voter support – a margin within the 4.8 percentage‑point error band.
Platner’s advantage is strongest among women, non‑white voters and younger, college‑educated constituents, while Collins leads among older voters and those citing concerns about Trump. Both candidates face distinct liabilities: Platner is shadowed by allegations of past abuse, a Nazi‑style tattoo and other personal scandals, which nearly half of respondents label him “too extreme.” Collins, now in her early‑70s, is questioned for her age and perceived alignment with former President Trump, with many voters doubting her effectiveness.
The race has taken on policy dimensions, as Platner recently targeted Collins’s 2018 Kavanaugh confirmation vote on abortion, garnering a Planned Parenthood endorsement. Collins defended her vote, reiterating a pro‑choice stance despite the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade. Voters indicated the economy, rather than abortion, remains the top issue.
Maine is viewed as a pivotal battleground for Senate control in the 2026 midterms, making the tightly contested race nationally significant.