The contest between Democratic challenger Graham Platner and Republican incumbent Susan Collins for Maine’s Senate seat remains fierce. However, recent controversies appear to be hindering Platner’s campaign, according to a new poll conducted by President Donald Trump’s pollster. The poll indicates the race is incredibly close, showing both candidates tied at 46%.
Poll results from Tony Fabrizio, David Lee, and Travis Tunis, conducted between June 1 and 3 for the Collins-aligned Pine Tree Results PAC, were obtained by POLITICO. They highlight a modest rise in Platner’s favorability from 35% in January to 40% in June. Yet, those holding an unfavorable view of him increased significantly from 29% to 49%.
Graham Platner’s image had cratered with his unfavorables nearly doubling,reads the polling memo.
A poll conducted in January had put Platner at 44% compared to Collins’s 45%. The race remains highly competitive, with the potential for Platner’s support to deteriorate further as more damaging revelations emerge.
The polling memo states that nearly 60% of voters indicated they would be less likely to support Platner if informed about his activity on the social media platform Kik. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation has criticized Kik as a “predator’s paradise.” While media outlets have linked Platner to an active Kik profile, evidence of communication with minors is lacking.
The strain on Platner’s reputation could see voters shifting away, potentially jeopardizing his candidacy. Observers claim that Collins and her allies need to capitalize on this momentum to sustain pressure on Platner as his supporters attempt to protect his campaign.
Speculation on platforms indicates Platner’s chances of seizing the seat have decreased to their lowest since he entered the race.
Platner’s Controversies Unveiled
Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine Corps veteran from Maine, announced his candidacy for the Senate against Collins in August 2025. He has gained strategic endorsements from figures like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Despite this, his campaign’s focus on housing, healthcare, labor unions, and reducing billionaire influence has been overshadowed by several controversies.
Issues began surfacing in October 2025, with old Reddit posts highlighted in the media that contained offensive language and rhetoric associated with political violence. While Platner acknowledged and apologized for these past statements, they conflicted with his current campaign persona.
Further criticism arose in October 2025 over a tattoo on Platner’s chest linked to Nazi imagery. Platner expressed unawareness of its association and promptly covered up the tattoo, apologizing for the oversight.
Disputes Over Personal Conduct
In May, allegations emerged around sexually explicit messages sent to women during his marriage. Although his campaign initially dismissed these as rumors, Platner later admitted his shortcomings and expressed efforts to reconcile with his wife.
More recently, several women’s accounts, published by The New York Times, described unsettling behavior by Platner. Platner strongly refutes all allegations of intimidation or physical altercations, attributing such claims to political motivations.
Platner attributes the media focus on these revelations to a diversion tactic aimed at sidelining discussions on core issues like healthcare and political financing.
He’s also openly addressed past mental health struggles, marked by undiagnosed PTSD and self-medication with alcohol. Platner owns up to past behaviors, expressing pride in personal growth and the collaborative movement they’re fostering in Maine.
Future of the Race
With the primary election approaching, Platner seems determined to continue his campaign. Securing this Senate seat could prove crucial for the Democratic Party’s ambition to seize Senate control in November.
The impact of these events on Platner’s standing with Maine’s voters is uncertain. Prior polls by UMass Lowell showed Platner slightly ahead, with 48% support compared to Collins’s 43% before the New York Times report. A small percentage of voters remain undecided.
The Maine U.S. Senate race is shaping up to be the most contentious in the country,
commented John Cluverius, from the Center for Public Opinion at UMass Lowell. Collins faces challenges from an unfavorably viewed president and economic conditions, while Platner’s lesser-known status offers volatile support as more information unfolds.
The ranked-choice primary is scheduled for June 9. If successful, Platner will meet Collins in the general election on November 3.