Republican Senator Susan Collins will face Democrat Graham Platner in a high-stakes Senate election. NBC News projects this anticipated matchup, marking a key battle for Senate control.
Both Collins and Platner secured primary wins. Collins, a veteran Senator first elected in 1996, ran unopposed. Platner, entering politics for the first time, faced little resistance due to Democratic Gov. Janet Mills suspending her campaign.
This election is pivotal for the Senate majority. Democrats hold 47 seats, needing a net gain of four for control. With Collins the only Republican Senator from a state Trump lost in 2024, Democrats see an opportunity.
Collins has a reputation for resilience. In 2020, despite predictions favoring Democrats, she won re-election by over 8 points even as Trump lost the state by about 9 points.
Collins has presidential backing, with Trump expressing support on Fox News, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the majority.
“I hope she wins,” Trump remarked, emphasizing their achievements under threat otherwise.
Past Democratic opponents of Collins were center-left, party-backed figures, yet fell short. Platner differs as a populist who challenges the status quo. His platform includes taxing the rich, expanding the safety net, and removing money from politics.
However, Platner faces controversies. A former chest tattoo with Nazi associations, old controversial Reddit posts, and allegations of “unsettling” behavior from ex-girlfriends raise concerns. He dismissed these as outdated Internet remarks.
Democratic leaders, after initially endorsing Platner, are now uneasy. Some suggest he should withdraw, but Platner remains firm on continuing.
Platner retains support from Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, despite these issues. Polls suggest a competitive race even after his controversies.
Collins focuses on her achievements for Maine as Senate Appropriations Committee chair. She emphasizes local contributions over national party affiliation, recently marking her 10,000th consecutive vote in the chamber.