Saturday, March 28, 2026-Democrats who once believed the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Maine offered one of their best opportunities to unseat long-time Republican Sen. Susan Collins is growing increasingly concerned that a bitter and divisive primary could weaken their chances in November.
The contest between Janet Mills and progressive challenger Graham Platner has turned sharply negative, with attack ads focusing on past controversial comments and personal history that critics say risk alienating key voters. The intensity of the rivalry threatens to fracture Democratic unity at a critical moment.
Mills, who has trailed Platner in recent polls, has launched aggressive ads highlighting problematic Reddit comments made by Platner in 2013, drawing national attention and amplifying internal party tensions.
Some Democrats worry these early clashes and backlash could leave the eventual nominee damaged going into the general election, where Collins — unopposed in her own primary and backed by a strong Republican war chest — stands ready to capitalize on Democratic discord. Republicans are watching the infighting with optimism that it will blunt Democratic momentum in Maine.
The concern reflects broader strategic calculations: Maine is one of several competitive Senate races that could determine control of the U.S. Senate this year, and a bruising primary may erode enthusiasm among Democratic voters or fail to attract independents who are key to flipping the seat.
Party strategists are warning that Democrats need cohesion to challenge a seasoned incumbent with significant name recognition and campaign resources, and they fear that divisive primary battles could hand Collins an advantage she might not otherwise have.
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