A new statewide poll suggests Maine’s 2026 U.S. Senate race could take a dramatically different shape depending on which Democrat emerges from the primary, with Democratic candidate Graham Platner posting the strongest early numbers against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
The poll from Quantus Insights offers an early snapshot of the political landscape as Democrats begin sorting out their nominee. While Collins remains competitive against Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, the numbers shift noticeably when the matchup includes Platner, suggesting the race could take on a different dynamic depending on who ultimately secures the Democratic nomination.
In a hypothetical matchup between Collins and Mills, the race appears extremely close. The poll shows Collins receiving 44.6 percent of the vote compared with 43.0 percent for Mills.
Third-party candidates account for 5.6 percent, while another 5.6 percent remain undecided. An additional 1.1 percent said they would not vote. The numbers reflect the familiar political pattern that has defined Maine’s statewide contests for years, with Collins maintaining a durable base of Republican support while continuing to attract some independents and moderate Democrats.