Full Breakdown
Voters Prioritize Party Over Candidate Purity, Poll Finds
6/9/2026, 11:39:41 PM
Core Findings of the June 2026 Reuters/Ipsos Survey
Conducted June 8-9, the Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 4,531 U.S. adults (margin of error 2 points overall, 4 points for sub-groups). Two-thirds of party-aligned voters said they sometimes back a disliked candidate to block the opposite party; 76 % often choose the “lesser of two evils.” Only 17 % of Democrats familiar with Graham Platner and 17 % of Republicans familiar with Ken Paxton said the controversies would deter them.
Context: Maine and Texas Senate Races
Maine’s Democratic primary on June 9 pits oyster farmer Graham Platner against incumbent Republican Susan Collins; Texas’s primary on June 8 sees Ken Paxton face Democrat James Talarico. Both contests are viewed as pivotal to the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority.
Key Candidates and Their Controversies
Platner’s Marine tattoo, a Nazi-style skull, was covered with a new design in 2025 after he apologized, and he denied allegations of sending explicit messages while married. Paxton, indicted for alleged investor fraud, was impeached by the Texas House and is undergoing a divorce; he denies wrongdoing.
Data & Statistics
- Sample: 4,531 adults; 546 Democrats familiar with Platner; 712 Republicans familiar with Paxton.
- 66 % of party-aligned voters sometimes back an undesirable candidate to block the other party.
- 76 % say they often choose the lesser of two evils; 17 % would refuse to vote for Platner or Paxton because of their controversies.
- Six in ten unaffiliated voters say their vote will reflect candidate preference rather than party.
Why It Matters: Senate Control and Partisan Dynamics
If Democrats win the Maine seat, the Senate could narrow to a 48-52 split, making independent voters decisive and highlighting how partisan loyalty can outweigh ethical concerns.
Official Statements & Responses
The Reuters/Ipsos release detailed methodology and findings; Platner and Paxton campaign spokespeople declined comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Political scientists cite the poll as evidence of deepening polarization. Critics warn that normalizing candidates with ethical lapses erodes democratic standards; Senator Mark Warner likened Platner’s rise to Trump’s low-standard politics.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The poll does not detail independent voters’ support for either candidate, leaving uncertainty about the swing vote’s impact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “just have to focus on not putting the other side in power” — Mia Costa, Dartmouth College political scientist
- “The more ‘normie’ candidate, as some people call them, will be trying to prevail among independents by pointing to the flaws of the candidate with issues,” — Cal Jillson, Southern Methodist University professor
- “Trump set a new standard,” — Mark Warner, U.S. Senator (Virginia)
- “He said he was unaware the tattoo’s design was associated with Nazis and covered it with another tattoo in 2025 after he launched his campaign.” — Graham Platner, Democratic Senate candidate (Maine)
What’s Next
Maine’s primary is on June 9 and Texas’s on June 8. November’s general election will decide Senate control, with independents likely to tip the balance.
