“The Oyster Farmer and the Senator”: Graham Platner Surges in Maine Senate Poll

AUGUSTA, Maine — In a political earthquake for the “Pine Tree State,” a new poll released on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, shows progressive challenger Graham Platner holding a commanding 11-point lead over incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. The University of New Hampshire’s Pine Tree State Poll suggests that the 41-year-old oyster farmer and combat veteran is currently the strongest threat to Collins’ historic bid for a sixth term.

The data indicates that Platner’s brand of “gruff populism” is resonating with a broad coalition of voters, even as he remains embattled in a contentious primary against outgoing Governor Janet Mills.

The General Election Matchup: Platner vs. Collins

The poll findings suggest that if the election were held today, Susan Collins—traditionally known for her electoral resilience—would face a historic defeat.

• Head-to-Head: Graham Platner leads with 49% to Collins’ 38%.
• The Independent Factor: Platner holds a significant edge among unenrolled voters, a demographic Collins has relied on for decades to bridge the gap in blue-leaning Maine.
• The Contrast: Interestingly, the poll found that if Governor Janet Mills were the nominee, the race would be a dead heat (41% Mills vs. 40% Collins), suggesting that Platner’s anti-establishment platform is uniquely effective at peeling away support from the incumbent.

The Democratic Primary: A Progressive Surge

Despite being a political newcomer, Platner has consolidated a massive lead in the Democratic primary, fueled by an endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders and strong labor support.

• The Demographic Split: Platner commands the youth vote (18–34) and self-described “socialists,” while Governor Mills maintains a small lead only among voters aged 65 and older.

Overcoming a “Barrage of Bad Press”

Platner’s rise in the polls is particularly striking given the controversies that have shadowed his campaign over the last six months.

• The Tattoo Controversy: Last fall, Platner faced intense scrutiny over a chest tattoo of a “Death’s Head” skull, which critics noted resembled a Nazi SS symbol. Platner, who got the tattoo while “very inebriated” as a young Marine in Croatia, has since had the ink covered and denied any knowledge of its hateful associations.
• Online History: Unearthed “inflammatory” Reddit posts from 2013–2021 showed Platner engaged in aggressive online arguments. He has since apologized, framing his past behavior as part of a struggle with PTSD following three tours in Iraq.
• Staff Turnover: The campaign saw high-level departures of its financial director, treasurer, and campaign manager in late 2025, which Platner dismissed as “growing pains” for a grassroots operation.

The Collins Defense

Susan Collins officially launched her re-election bid earlier this month, emphasizing her seniority and her role as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

• War Chest: The Senate Leadership Fund (a GOP Super PAC) has already pledged $42 million to help Collins defend the seat—the only Republican-held Senate seat in a state that Kamala Harris won in 2024.
• The “Trump Factor”: While Collins has maintained her distance from the President—voting against his “One Big Beautiful Bill” domestic package—her favorability among Maine Republicans has actually risen to +44, as the party unites to prevent a Platner victory.

“I’m not afraid to name an enemy. And the enemy is the oligarchy. It’s the billionaires who pay for it and the politicians who sell us out.” — Graham Platner, Campaign Launch