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.

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