Trending Now - Maine Senate Race: Mills Faces Strong Challenge From Platner

WHO:

Gov. Janet Mills, Graham Platner, Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, Emerson College, Pan Atlantic Research, University of New Hampshire Survey Center

530 voters surveyed for the primary poll, nearly 1,100 Mainers surveyed for general election matchups

WHAT:

Graham Platner is preferred by likely Democratic primary voters by a nearly 2-to-1 margin over Gov. Janet Mills (55% to 28%).

13% of voters were undecided in the primary poll.

In hypothetical general election matchups, Platner leads Collins (48% to 41%) with 12% undecided, while Mills leads Collins (46% to 43%) with 11% undecided.

The primary poll has a margin of error of 4.2%, and the general election matchups have a margin of error of 2.9%.

Platner has raised nearly $7.8 million compared to Mills' $2.7 million in campaign funds.

Platner holds an 18-point advantage among women (50% to 32%) and a 41-point advantage among men (63% to 22%).

57% of respondents have an unfavorable view of Collins, while 54% view Mills negatively.

Platner has a favorable view from 42% of respondents, while 38% view him negatively, and 20% do not know enough to offer an opinion.

WHERE:

Maine, United States

WHEN:

The primary election is scheduled for June 9th, 2026.

The poll was conducted from March 21st to March 23rd, 2026.

Platner was reported to be leading Mills by 7 points earlier in March 2026, a 17-point swing from October 2025.

In February 2026, the University of New Hampshire Survey Center found Platner had a 38-point lead over Mills in the primary.

WHY:

Mills is targeting female voters, who have made up a majority of the electorate in recent Democratic primaries, through attack ads.

Platner's past controversial comments are being highlighted in Mills' attack ads.

HOW:

Mills is using attack ads to criticize Platner's past comments on sexual assault and slurs against marginalized groups.

Platner responded to Mills' attacks by holding a press conference and releasing a new advertisement explaining his past comments.

(UPDATED March 27, 2026 11:15 UTC)

In a recent poll conducted in Maine, Graham Platner is preferred by likely Democratic primary voters over Governor Janet Mills by nearly a two-to-one margin, with 55 percent supporting him compared to Mills' 28 percent. The survey also shows Platner leading Republican Senator Susan Collins in hypothetical general election matchups, with a 48 percent to 41 percent advantage, while Mills holds a slight lead over Collins at 46 percent to 43 percent. As the primary election approaches on June 9, 2026, Mills is targeting female voters through attack ads that highlight Platner's past controversial comments, while Platner has responded by holding a press conference and releasing a new advertisement to clarify his statements.