UNH Poll: Platner Doubles Mills’ Support Among Primary Voters

Bassyonni

ago 5 hours

Democratic primary voters are showing a surprising shift in support ahead of the 2026 Senate race. Recent polling from the University of New Hampshire Survey Center indicates that Graham Platner has garnered significant backing, eclipsing current Governor Janet Mills.

UNH Poll: Platner Doubles Mills’ Support Among Primary Voters

The poll, released on Thursday, reveals that 58% of likely Democratic primary voters are in favor of Platner, a military veteran and oyster farmer from Hancock County. In contrast, only 24% support Mills, who is nearing the end of her second term as governor.

Polling Details

This survey was conducted between October 16 and 21, covering nearly 1,100 Maine residents, including 510 likely Democratic voters. It has a margin of error of ±3%. Notably, many responses were collected before recent controversies regarding Platner’s past comments and body art emerged.

Controversies Surrounding Platner

Despite Platner’s initial surge in support, several revelations have raised eyebrows. Just as the poll was conducted, CNN highlighted controversial comments he made online five years ago, where he identified as a communist and made disparaging remarks about rural Americans. Furthermore, he recently disclosed possessing a tattoo related to Nazi symbolism, which he has since covered.

Impact on the Race

Experts have indicated it may be premature to assess the potential impact of these controversies on Platner’s campaign. Andrew Smith, director of the UNH Survey Center, noted that voters often need time to absorb and react to emerging information.

Younger Voter Dynamics

Platner’s support among younger voters is significantly higher compared to Mills.
Concerns about Mills’ age, as she would be 77 if elected, may be influencing this trend.

In terms of favorability, Mills holds a slight edge overall, with 65% of voters viewing her positively compared to 60% for Platner. However, a decline in Mills’ approval rating among Maine Democrats includes a notable drop from 94% support in August to 83% currently.

Challenges for Incumbent Representatives

The poll also assessed the 2nd Congressional District race, where incumbent U.S. Representative Jared Golden is facing tough competition. Among voters surveyed, 49% expressed support for Republican Paul LePage, while 44% backed Golden. This close margin suggests a challenging re-election ahead for Golden, who faces primary competition from Matthew Dunlap.

Overall Sentiment on Governor Mills

The poll indicates broader dissatisfaction with Mills’ performance, with 55% of respondents disapproving of her job handling. This decline coincides with her recent opposition to a red flag referendum, which may have disappointed some Democratic voters.

As the political landscape shifts leading to 2026, candidates must navigate both support dynamics and controversies to capture voter interest effectively.