A recent University of New Hampshire survey found that 51% of likely general‑election voters would back Shenna Bellows Platner, compared with 42% for incumbent Senator Susan Collins , leaving the Maine Democratic primary a tight contest as of early May.

Platner’s 51% Lead Stays Steady Since February

The poll, which sampled 1,397 Maine residents from Thursday through Monday, shows Platner’s advantage has held steady since the February survey, even after former Governor Janet Mills withdrew from the race. according to the University of New Hampshire, Mills will still appear on the June 9 primary ballot, but her exit has not shifted the balance between Platner and Collins.

Collins Faces Opposition From Fellow Republicans

Republican Representative Jake Auchincloss has publicly declined to support Platner, citing a tattoo controversy that he said resembled a Nazi symbol. Auchincloss’s stance highlights intra‑party tensions that could influence the primary’s outcome, as reported by the poll.

Platner Under Scrutiny Over Past Posts and Comments

Platner has also faced criticism over resurfaced posts that incldued comments about sexual assault and alcohol consumption, which drew accusations of sexism when they reemerged last year. The University of New Hampshire poll notes that these controversies may be contributing to the 6% of voters who remain undecided.

Undecided Voters and Minor Candidates Keep the Race Open

With 6% of respondents undecided and 2% indicating support for another candidate, the poll’s margin of error of ±2.6 percentage points leaves room for shifts.. The stability of the 51%–42% split sgugests that any change will likely come from the undecided segment or from new campaign dynamics.