The race between Graham Platner and incumbent Susan Collins for Maine’s Senate seat is extremely close. A recent poll, conducted by Pine Tree Results PAC linked to Collins, shows both candidates tied at 46 percent. This poll was conducted from June 1 to 3. It reveals that favorability for Platner increased slightly from 35 percent to 40 percent since January. However, unfavorable opinions on him have surged from 29 percent to 49 percent.
The memo from the Trump pollster highlights Platner’s declining image, noting that his unfavorable ratings nearly doubled. The January poll initially put Platner at 44 percent and Collins at 45 percent. The race is now in a deadlock, with possibilities of new damaging revelations further eroding Platner’s support.
The pollster also mentioned that nearly 60 percent of voters might be less inclined to support Platner due to his controversial activities on the social media platform Kik. This site, described by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation as a ‘predator’s paradise,’ links back to Platner but lacks evidence of inappropriate communications with minors.
The memo suggests the race is still ‘HIGHLY competitive,’ emphasizing pressure from the Collins camp to capitalize on Platner’s controversies. Betting platforms have shown a dip in Platner’s chances since he entered the race last year. His campaign has been overshadowed by various controversies since October 2025. Previous offensive Reddit posts, links to Nazi imagery through a tattoo, and allegations of unsettling behavior have surfaced. He has apologized for the tattoo and admitted challenges in personal behavior while attributing some issues to mental health struggles.
Platner, endorsed by progressive figures like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, focuses his campaign on pivotal issues such as housing affordability and healthcare. Despite the controversies, Platner rejects allegations of intimidation or political motivations behind these claims. He stresses the importance of campaigning on significant political issues.
As the primary election on June 9 approaches, Platner remains in the race, critical for the Democrats to reclaim Senate control. Recent polls show him with a slight lead over Collins, with 48 percent support against Collins’s 43 percent. John Cluverius of UMass Lowell comments on the highly contentious nature of the race, noting the challenges both candidates face in connecting with voters amidst economic concerns and President Trump’s unpopularity.
The primary election slated for June 9 will determine if Platner will face Collins in the November 3 general election.
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