Polls Show Tight Race Between Platner and Collins Amid Controversy

Graham Platner, a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, holds a narrow lead within the margin of error over incumbent Republican Susan Collins, according to a new poll released on Monday. Despite this, Platner’s campaign faces increasing scrutiny due to allegations made by former romantic partners, as reported by The New York Times. Platner, a 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran, is competing against David Costello in the Maine primary, which takes place on Tuesday and will decide who faces Collins in the general election. Platner has denied the allegations of physicality, calling them politically motivated and “simply not true.” Newsweek attempted to contact both Platner and Collins via email for comments on Monday night.

Current Polls

A poll conducted by Tavern Research shows Collins with 49% support compared to Platner’s 51%. The poll, conducted between June 5 and June 8, surveyed 1,642 Maine respondents and has a margin of error of 2.8%. In a different generic poll, Collins trails a Democratic candidate 45% to 55%.

Platner’s favorability rating in the poll stands at 42%, with an unfavorable rating of 51%. Collins has a slightly lower favorability of 41%, while her unfavorable rating is 57%.

Allegations and Controversy

Last week, a former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, accused Platner of physically threatening behavior during their relationship over a decade ago. She claims Platner twisted her arm behind her back during an argument, pushed her into a bedroom, and prevented her from leaving. Fifield noted, “It hurt,” but added it did not result in any injury. She also mentioned, “He never hit me, he never punched me.” The Times reported they could not independently verify Fifield’s claims.

Following the article’s release, Fifield criticized The New York Times on social media for allegedly misrepresenting her account and omitting important context. A spokesperson for the Times defended their reporting, stating it accurately reflected the accounts provided by multiple women, offering insight into a significant Senate candidate’s behavior.

Platner’s Response

At a campaign rally in Bar Harbor, Maine, on Friday, Platner expressed gratitude to his supporters for their unwavering support. “Maine, you had my back,” Platner addressed the crowd, referring to past internet remarks and his personal struggle with PTSD, recovery, and growth. He added, “And when politically motivated, serious and false accusations are made against me, Maine, you have my back.”

Additional Polls

An additional poll by Public Policy Polling shows Platner leading Collins by 4 points. This survey involved 670 registered voters in Maine and revealed that Platner holds 49% support against Collins’ 45%, with 6% undecided. Conducted on June 2 and June 3, after reports of sexually explicit messages by Platner, the poll has a margin of error of 3.8%. The poll was sponsored by Platner, as noted in a Times aggregate of the race’s polling.

The University of New Hampshire Survey Center’s Pine Tree State Poll found Platner ahead, receiving 51% to Collins’ 42%. Another 2% supported a different candidate, while 6% were undecided. Conducted between May 21 and May 25 among 1,280 likely general-election voters, the poll’s margin of error is 2.7%. The allegations concerning sexually explicit messages by Platner surfaced after this poll was published.