Graham Platner and Susan Collins are neck and neck, Times/Press Herald/Siena poll shows

Key Points:

• A New York Times/Portland Press Herald/Siena poll shows a tight race for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat, with Democrat Graham Platner leading Republican incumbent Susan Collins by 49% to 47%, within the margin of error.
• The poll highlights key voter concerns as the economy, party control of Congress, and candidate character, with Platner favored by independents and women, while Collins retains strong support among non-college-educated voters.
• Despite controversies surrounding Platner, 80% of respondents say they are firmly decided on their candidate choice, indicating a solidified electorate ahead of the November election.
• Voters are divided on Collins’ long tenure and influence, with some valuing her bipartisan efforts and federal funding achievements, while others seek change and view Platner’s progressive platform as a fresh alternative.
• Maine’s Senate race is critical for Democrats aiming to flip control of the Senate, as Collins is the only Republican incumbent running in a state that favored Democrats in the 2024 presidential election.