Senate Democrats tread lightly on Maine primary as new poll shows Graham Platner leading Janet Mills

Gov. Janet Mills and first-time candidate Graham Platner will face off in a hotly contested Democratic Senate primary in Maine.

WASHINGTON — The Democratic primary in one of the most important Senate races of the 2026 cycle has been jolted by two recent events: the entry of two-term governor and establishment favorite Janet Mills and the rapid-fire revelations about Graham Platner, a first-time candidate undergoing a public vetting after getting national attention.

Despite his recent controversy, a rare poll of the Maine race shows Platner trouncing Mills by 34 points. The survey conducted by the University of New Hampshire found Platner leading Mills 58% to 24% among likely primary voters, with 14% undecided. It was conducted from Oct. 16 to Oct. 21, amid revelations of inflammatory online posts by Platner, but before he said he covered up a tattoo after his campaign was informed it resembled a Nazi symbol.

None of that has changed the dynamics among their would-be Democratic colleagues in the Senate, at least for now.

Mills and Platner each have a strong ally who is sticking by them, while the rest of the caucus is largely steering clear of the Mills-Platner battle. Not one senator said Platner’s tattoo or other controversies were disqualifying, and several acknowledged he’s bringing excitement to a party that has been struggling in the political wilderness since President Donald Trump took back power in January.

Platner is “exciting,” said Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., as he waved away questions about his recent controversies. “Mainers will figure it out.”