Full Breakdown
Maine Senate Primary: Graham Platner vs. Susan Collins
6/9/2026, 10:12:30 PM
The Contest on Tuesday
Maine voters cast ballots in a closed primary to select each party’s nominee for the U.S. Senate. The Democratic field narrowed to former Marine and oyster farmer Graham Platner after former Governor Janet Mills suspended active campaigning in April, while the Republican primary featured the unopposed incumbent Sen. Susan Collins. Both parties will advance a single candidate to the November general election, a race that could determine control of the Senate.
Background & Context
Collins, first elected in 1996, is the longest-serving Republican senator from Maine and chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee. Her 2020 re-election yielded 51 % of the vote, her weakest margin since 1996. The seat is one of the few Democratic targets for flipping the chamber in 2026. Maine employs ranked-choice voting; if no candidate reaches a majority, the lowest-finishers are eliminated and votes reallocated until a majority emerges.
Key Figures & Groups
- Graham Platner – 41-year-old Marine veteran, oyster farmer, and former planning-board chair. Backed early by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Chuck Schumer (who supported Mills).
- Susan Collins – Republican incumbent, chair of the Appropriations Committee. Unopposed in the GOP primary.
- Janet Mills – Former governor; suspended campaign but remains on the ballot.
- Genevieve McDonald – Former Platner campaign director, now a vocal critic.
- Ro Khanna – U.S. Rep. from California; conditional supporter.
- Amy Gertner – Platner’s wife, publicly defending him.
Data & Statistics
- Party registration (Jan 2024): 354,000 Democrats, 309,000 Republicans, 334,000 unaffiliated.
- Early/absentee ballots cast (as of Thursday): ~56,000 total – 33,000 Democratic, 13,000 Republican, 10,000 unaffiliated.
- Fundraising: Platner leads all Democratic candidates; Collins holds a larger overall war chest.
- Ranked-choice voting will be used for both Senate primaries.
Official Statements & Responses
Collins emphasized her seniority, noting that “it has been 92 years since a Maine senator chaired the Appropriations Committee” and arguing that her position benefits the state. Sanders reiterated his endorsement of Platner, stating he will “do everything I can” to help him win. Mills clarified that she “suspended active campaigning” but remains on the ballot. Ro Khanna said he would withhold support if evidence of violence or sexual assault emerged. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee listed Platner among its priority races.
Criticism & Opposition
Former campaign director Genevieve McDonald labeled Platner “not someone who would be good for Maine or for the country,” accusing him of a “pattern of dishonest behavior.” Madeleine Dean (D-PA) called the allegations “disturbing” and said Platner “has disqualified himself.” Maggie Hassan (D-NH) described the accusations as “serious and deserve scrutiny.” Media reports have highlighted a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, sexually explicit texts sent to multiple women, and claims of physical intimidation toward former partners.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Tattoo awareness: Platner claims he was unaware the design was a Nazi symbol until late 2025; a former girlfriend asserts he knew earlier.
- Physical threats: One former partner alleges Platner twisted her arm and locked her in a room; Platner denies the allegation, calling it politically motivated.
- Fundraising totals: Some sources note Platner leads all candidates, while others state Collins’s war chest remains larger.
- Early-vote impact: Exact effect of the 56,000 early ballots on the final outcome remains uncertain pending ranked-choice tabulation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our tax dollars can build schools and hospitals in America instead of bombs to drop on them in Gaza and Iran,” — Graham Platner, rally in Portland.
- “Graham Platner is not someone who would be good for Maine or for the country.” — Genevieve McDonald, former campaign director.
- “Ro Khanna of California Sunday said on "Face the Nation" that if there were evidence of violence or sexual assault, he would not support Platner.” — Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative.
- “When politically motivated, serious and false accusations are made against me, Maine, you have my back,” — Graham Platner, interview with MS NOW.
- “It’s really important for me to tell all of you out there, especially people who are voting in Maine, that I think it’s shameful behavior to spend time and energy and resources on negative ads and negative stories on Graham when all he’s trying to do is improve the lives of people who work for a living,” — Amy Gertner, Platner’s wife.
Why It Matters
Collins’s chairmanship of Appropriations gives her significant leverage over federal spending for Maine. A Democratic win would contribute to the party’s goal of reclaiming Senate control, affecting national legislation on budget, defense, and social programs.
What’s Next
The primary results will be certified after ranked-choice tabulation, which may take several days. If Platner secures the nomination, he can withdraw before July 13, prompting the state Democratic Party to select a replacement by July 27. The November general election will pit the nominee against Collins, with the Senate balance at stake.
