New Poll Shows Senator Susan Collins Facing Tough Re-Election Battle
AUGUSTA, Maine — April 21, 2026
A new survey from the University of New Hampshire Survey Center indicates that Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) holds leads or is competitive against the leading Democratic contenders in the race for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat.
The Pine Tree State Poll released Tuesday shows Graham Platner leading Janet Mills in the Democratic primary by 64% to 25% among all respondents, and 71% to 51% among likely Democratic voters. In hypothetical general election matchups, Platner leads Collins 49% to 38%, while Mills and Collins are statistically tied at 41% to 40%.
The poll also found independents favoring Platner over Collins by 47% to 38%, but preferring Collins over Mills by 35% to 29%. A significant portion of independents remain undecided in the Mills matchup.
Collins, a four-term incumbent, has represented Maine in the Senate since 1997. She is seeking re-election in a state that has trended Democratic in presidential races but has supported Collins in previous cycles due to her moderate positioning.
The Democratic primary winner will face Collins in November. The seat is viewed as competitive, though Collins has historically performed well in a state with a strong independent voter bloc.
Both Platner and Mills have positioned themselves as progressive alternatives to Collins. Platner has drawn attention for past controversial statements and associations, while Mills, the current governor, has faced criticism over state economic and policy issues.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee has described Mills as a “disaster” for Maine, citing higher taxes, housing costs, and grocery prices under her governorship. Collins’ campaign reported raising $2.2 million in the last quarter of 2025, with over $8 million cash on hand.
The Maine Senate race is one of several contests that could influence control of the U.S. Senate in the 2026 midterms. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority and are defending several seats, while Democrats aim to flip key battlegrounds.
Polling and fundraising figures can shift as the campaign progresses. The primary election is scheduled for June, with the general election in November.
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