Maine Senate race pits incumbent Susan Collins against Democratic nominee Graham Platner

A post‑primary poll shows Democratic challenger Graham Platner holding a narrow two‑point lead over longtime Republican incumbent Senator Susan Collins in Maine. Platner’s campaign is beset by multiple controversies, including a former Nazi‑linked tattoo, sexually explicit messages to other women, and allegations of violent behavior toward ex‑girlfriends. Those scandals have split Democratic leaders: former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declined to endorse Platner, describing his issues as “bumps on the road,” while some party figures continue to back him. Former President Donald Trump has denounced Platner, calling him a “thug” and a “pig” and accusing Democrats of hypocrisy. Collins, who has been endorsed by Trump despite voting to convict him in the 2021 impeachment, was recently pressed on a new Iran memorandum of understanding while on a Capitol Hill elevator, illustrating the high‑stakes environment surrounding her re‑election bid. The race is viewed as pivotal for control of the U.S. Senate in the 2026 midterms.