Republican Senator Susan Collins will face Democrat Graham Platner this fall in a key election for Senate control, according to NBC News projections. Both candidates secured their places in the fall election after winning their respective primaries on Tuesday.
Collins, first elected to the Senate in 1996, ran unopposed for re-nomination as she pursues a sixth term. Platner, a political newcomer and oyster farmer, encountered little opposition after two-term Governor Janet Mills suspended her campaign. Mills remained on the primary ballot despite stepping back.
The upcoming election is central to the Democratic Party’s future and highlights voters’ priorities. Platner faces scrutiny over past controversies before the campaign intensifies against the veteran Collins.
Maine’s Senate seat is pivotal for the Democrats, who hold 47 seats and need a net gain of four to secure the majority. Collins, the only Republican senator in a state Trump lost in 2024, is a significant target for the Democrats.
Despite facing challenges, Collins has consistently survived politically. In 2020, she notably defied poll predictions and won re-election by over 8 points, while Trump lost Maine by about 9 points.
Collins enjoys the president’s support, who on Fox News stated, “I hope she wins. Because we have to. She’s a good person. But we have to win. We have to keep the majority. Otherwise all of the things that we’ve done are going to go down the tubes.”
Historically, Democratic challengers to Collins were center-left candidates with party backing, who struggled against her. Platner stands out as a populist outsider advocating for changes like taxing the wealthy, expanding the safety net, and reducing money’s influence in politics. However, he carries controversies.
Platner’s checkered past includes covering a chest tattoo with Nazi associations and past Reddit posts criticizing police and identifying as a “communist.” He attributed these to “Internet s—posting” not reflective of his current views. Additionally, former partners accused him of “toxic” behavior, which he denied as involving “physicality.”
Democratic leaders express unease over Platner. Some who supported him are now wary, suggesting he leave the race. Party insiders could replace him only if he exits voluntarily before July 13. Platner insists he will not withdraw.
In contrast, Collins emphasizes her local impact over party affiliations, highlighting her influence on financial resources for Maine from her position as Senate Appropriations Committee chair. She recently cast her 10,000th consecutive vote in the Senate.
This complex election is amplified by endorsements for Platner from Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren despite his controversies, and polls suggest a tight race with Collins.
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