Do Mainers care about Graham Platner’s controversies? Here’s what our poll found.

AUGUSTA — A new poll shows Maine's U.S. Senate race remains razor-tight, with Democratic nominee Graham Platner holding a slim two-point lead over Republican incumbent Susan Collins, despite months of national attention on controversies surrounding the challenger's personal life.

The New York Times/Press Herald/Siena survey found that 93 percent of Maine voters have heard about the controversies dogging Platner, including a controversial tattoo, offensive online posts, and reports of extramarital texting during his early marriage. More than three-quarters of respondents said they had heard "a lot" about the issues.

Yet the poll suggests many voters are brushing aside the distractions.

Thirty-nine percent of those surveyed — including 35 percent of independent voters — said the controversies have had no effect on their support for Platner. Another 28 percent said they could not vote for him because of the scandals, while 24 percent said the revelations made them question their backing.

What's driving Platner's support? Policy, not personality. Ninety-three percent of his backers said they support him because of his positions on issues, not his character or moral character.

The tight margin reflects broader national stakes, according to some voters. Democrats need to flip four Senate seats to take control of the chamber, which would strengthen their ability to oppose President Donald Trump's agenda.

"For me, it's just hard to believe that everything that I love about America is being trashed," said David Itchkawich, 88, a Portland Democrat. "The Republican Party is corrupt and is more like the mafia."

The poll paints a stark contrast in how voters view the candidates' character. Sixty-six percent of respondents said Collins demonstrates good character, and 61 percent said she possesses the right moral values. Only 34 percent described her as too extreme politically.

For Platner, those numbers drop significantly: 44 percent said he has good character, and 45 percent said he holds the right moral values. Forty-seven percent described him as too extreme.

Still, some Collins supporters are willing to take a chance on the Democrat. Kirstin McQuillan, 50, of Sidney, voted for Collins in 2020 but is now backing Platner.

"He's not like the traditional politician," McQuillan said. "But we definitely have a president that wasn't a traditional politician either — good, bad or indifferent. It's just crazy times and I guess why not try something crazy?"

Platner, a veteran who served four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, has attributed his controversial online activity to depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. He said he sought community in dark corners of the internet during his struggles.

Since returning to Sullivan, where he operates a small oyster farm, Platner has spoken publicly about finding healing through reconnecting with his community and receiving therapy. Many supporters have embraced his narrative of redemption.

"He's owned his mistakes," said Mike McMillen, 81, of Brooksville, who knows Platner personally. "He said that with the help of his wife and all of his supporters, he's getting better every day. I believe him. I've seen it."

Nickolas T., a 30-year-old Standish resident who asked that his last name be withheld because his work involves federal funding, said he supports Platner despite concerns about his past.

"The amount of issues that have come up as a whole do give me some legitimate concerns around character," Nickolas said. "My enthusiasm has definitely died down a bit, but from a policy perspective, I'm willing to kind of roll the dice."

He criticized Collins, 73, as inconsistent with her moderate branding.

"She's incredibly disingenuous," Nickolas said, pointing to a CQ Roll Call analysis showing Collins votes with Trump approximately 95 percent of the time.

Collins' campaign pushed back on the characterization.

"Maine people know Susan Collins," said campaign spokesperson Shawn Roderick. "They know her unmatched work ethic, they respect her character and integrity, and they trust her to put Maine first. That's a reputation she has earned by consistently showing up, listening, and delivering results for the people of our state."

The poll revealed potential vulnerability for Collins: 54 percent of respondents said she is too supportive of the Trump administration. Trump's approval rating in Maine stands at just 38 percent, and 56 percent said his policies have hurt the state.

Platner's campaign seized on the polling data as validation.

"The poll makes clear that despite all the distractions, this race is about the issues," the campaign said in a statement. "After months of attacks and national media attention, Maine voters know where Graham stands — and they are backing him because of what he is fighting for."

Some voters cited specific policy reasons for supporting Platner. Paula Howland, 63, of Cornish, said she favors his support for Medicare for All and his refusal to accept campaign contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

"I'm hoping that he keeps with his policies that he has right now because most politicians have a tendency to do the bait-and-switch," Howland said. "I guess you have to hope for the best."

Others pointed to what they see as a double standard. Alice Cahn, 72, of Rockport, said Republicans have no standing to criticize personal behavior given their party's embrace of leaders with checkered backgrounds.

"How anyone in the Republican Party feels they have the right to criticize anyone for their personal behavior — I just find unbelievable," Cahn said. "I don't see it as a failure of character — I see it as mistakes that were made. I do think that this is somebody who has the best interests of the future of my children at heart."

Collins, as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has directed $1.5 billion in federal earmarks to Maine over the past five years — a record of delivery that her campaign has highlighted. Yet some voters said national considerations outweigh local benefits.

"She has brought a lot of money to Maine," McQuillan acknowledged. "But I think we need someone who will make better decisions for the country as a whole."

The race continues to draw national attention as both parties view Maine as a potential pickup opportunity in the fight for Senate control.