Graham Platner Holds Narrow Lead in Senate Race Against Susan Collins

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner holds a slight edge over incumbent Republican candidate Susan Collins in a recent poll, though it’s within the margin of error. The poll was released on Monday as Platner’s campaign faces increasing scrutiny due to allegations from former romantic partners, reported by The New York Times. Platner, a 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran, is also competing against David Costello in the Maine primary on Tuesday to determine who will face Collins in the general election. Platner has denied the allegations, describing them as “simply not true” and politically motivated.

Newsweek contacted both Platner and Collins on Monday night for comments. According to the poll from Tavern Research, Collins has 49 percent support compared to Platner’s 51 percent among 1,642 Maine respondents. The survey was conducted from June 5 to June 8, with a margin of error of 2.8 percent. A generic poll indicates Collins falls behind a Democratic candidate with 45 percent to 55 percent.

Poll Results

Platner’s favorability stands at 42 percent, while his unfavorable rating is 51 percent. Collins’ favorability is at 41 percent, with an unfavorable rating of 57 percent. Lyndsey Fifield, a former girlfriend of Platner, alleged that during their relationship over a decade ago, Platner engaged in physically threatening behavior. She claimed Platner twisted her arm, shoved her into a bedroom, and blocked her from leaving. Fifield also noted that while it hurt, she sustained no injuries. She clarified that Platner never hit or punched her.

The New York Times stated it could not independently verify Fifield’s allegations. After the article was published, Fifield criticized the Times on social media for how her account was represented, arguing that it omitted important context.

Times’ Response

A spokesperson for the Times told Newsweek: “We published accounts from several women who were in romantic relationships with Graham Platner. Our story accurately represents these accounts as told to our reporters, according to our standards. We stand by our reporting of Ms. Fifield’s account and those of other women, which provide insight into the behavior of a significant U.S. Senate candidate.”

During a campaign rally in Bar Harbor, Maine, Platner expressed gratitude to his supporters for standing by him. “Maine, you had my back,” Platner told the crowd. “When past remarks I made online resurfaced, as I shared my journey with PTSD and recovery, and when facing false accusations, Maine, you have my back.”

Other Poll Results

New Public Policy Polling data shows Platner leading Collins by four points, with 49 percent to her 45 percent, and 6 percent undecided. This poll surveyed 670 registered Maine voters from June 2 to June 3, having a margin of error of 3.8 percent. An aggregate of polls by the Times showed these findings, noting the poll’s sponsorship by Platner.

Additionally, a Pine Tree State Poll by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center showed Platner leading Collins 51 percent to 42 percent. This poll included 1,280 likely general-election voters from May 21 to May 25 and had a margin of error of 2.7 percent. Allegations regarding sexually explicit messages from Platner surfaced after this poll was released.