Collins to face Platner in high-stakes Maine race
Democrat Graham Platner and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) are headed toward what is expected to be one of the most closely watched Senate races of 2026 after both candidates secured their respective nominations Tuesday night.
TL;DR
- Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Democrat Graham Platner have secured their nominations for the 2026 Maine Senate race.
- The race is anticipated to be one of the most closely watched of the cycle.
- Platner, a Marine veteran and oysterman, emerged as the Democratic nominee after Gov. Janet Mills suspended her campaign.
- Collins is seeking her sixth term and is the only Republican senator representing a state carried by Kamala Harris in 2024.
- Democrats view Maine as a potential pickup opportunity in the Trump era, questioning if Collins's independent brand can withstand current political dynamics.