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New Polls Lift Platner as Maine Senate Ad War Escalates

Fresh polling paired with surging ad spending is sharpening pressure on Janet Mills ahead of Maine’s June 9 primary.

Overview

  • Pan Atlantic Research finds Graham Platner leading Susan Collins 44%–40%, while Janet Mills and Collins are tied 44%–44%, with net favorability at Platner +12, Mills −6, Collins −14.
  • A late‑February UNH Pine Tree State poll shows Platner ahead of Collins 49%–38% and a narrower Mills edge of 41%–40% against the incumbent.
  • Ad trackers report more than $78 million already spent, with Republican groups reserving over $45 million to about $33 million for Democratic groups as Collins receives robust outside support.
  • The Bangor Daily News reports Collins’ approval is 12 points underwater; Platner has spent about $3.1 million on ads compared with roughly $730,000 by Mills, with Collins relying more on allied outside groups.
  • Prediction markets on Polymarket and Kalshi lean toward Democrats flipping the seat and give Platner strong odds to win the primary, as a Bangor Daily News letter urges Mills to exit the race.