The NPR Politics Podcast — "What's the main thing in Maine's Senate race?"
Date: February 17, 2026
Hosts/Guests: Tamara Keith (White House reporter), Mara Liasson (Senior National Political Correspondent), Kevin Miller (Maine Public)
Episode Overview
This episode dives into the high-stakes 2026 U.S. Senate race in Maine, where longtime Republican incumbent Susan Collins faces a highly competitive challenge in a state that has grown increasingly blue. The discussion focuses on Democratic primary dynamics between Governor Janet Mills and political newcomer Graham Platner, debate about what it will take to unseat Collins, how national and state politics intersect in Maine, and implications for both parties. The hosts offer detailed insight into the personalities, controversies, and campaign strategies shaping this pivotal race.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Why Maine’s Senate Race Matters (00:34)
- Susan Collins: A 30-year Senate veteran and an institution in Maine politics, Collins is one of the most vulnerable Republicans this year, as Maine voted for Biden in 2024.
- Democratic Challengers: Two main contenders:
- Gov. Janet Mills: Seven years as Maine’s governor, former attorney general, establishment moderate.
- Graham Platner: 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran and oysterman, with outsider appeal and progressive endorsements.
Quote:
“She’s widely considered as one of the most vulnerable Republican senators this year because she’s the only Republican running for reelection in a state that Donald Trump lost in 2024.”
— Kevin Miller (00:52)
2. The Democratic Primary: Experience vs. Disruption (01:45)
- Platner’s Surge: Tapping into Democratic frustration post-2024; seen as a fresh face with authenticity and appeal beyond traditional politics.
- Mills’ Challenges: Entered the race late, allowing Platner to gain traction; leans on her record and experience.
- Contrast: Style, age, and energy vs. establishment credentials.
Quote:
“Now you have this kind of dynamic between a disruptor candidate during an election year when a lot of Democrats want to see change and you have the more establishment, older Democrat.”
— Kevin Miller (02:02)
3. Policy Differences and Tone (03:14)
- Both support universal healthcare, but Platner is more closely aligned with Sanders’ Medicare-for-All wing. Differences are subtle on policy, sharper on approach and political positioning.
- Mills positions herself as an experienced leader who can 'stand up' to Republicans, referencing past conflicts with Trump and former governor LePage.
Quote:
"I’ve gone toe to toe with Donald Trump. I’ve gone toe to toe with our former controversial Republican governor Paul LePage... I’m perfectly willing to stand up for the people of Maine."
— Kevin Miller, paraphrasing Mills’ campaign (03:40)
4. The State of the Democratic Party (04:26)
- Early belief that Mills was the perfect recruit; now, uncertainty as she’s seen as damaged by the drawn-out primary.
- Key demographic struggles: Mills was supposed to appeal to non-college women over 50, crucial in the Second District where Trump was strong.
Quote:
“I think Democrats are just confused ... in Maine, it’s just unclear who is the best candidate to beat Susan Collins.”
— Mara Liasson (05:11)
5. The Graham Platner Tattoo Controversy (05:34)
- Incident: Platner revealed and addressed a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, attributing it to an ignorant, drunken night while serving in the Marines, and covered it up immediately after.
- Handling: Candid about past mistakes, resonating with voters tired of overly polished politicians.
Quote:
"He has since covered up the tattoo.... He’s been pretty forthcoming about it. This and other dark times from his past, he says, look, I was in the Marines. I did a lot of things that I’m not proud of now. I made statements that I’m not proud of now. But I’ve grown, I’ve changed."
— Kevin Miller (06:24)
6. Fundraising, Polls, and Campaign Styles (07:52)
- Fundraising: Platner outpaced Mills during the controversy, demonstrating surprising resilience.
- Polls: Scattered and unreliable—some favoring Platner, others Mills; head-to-head with Collins unclear.
- Campaigning: Mills runs traditional, small events; Platner holds large, energetic rallies, including viral moments (e.g., crowd-surfing at a Dropkick Murphys concert).
Quote:
“Platner on the other side... crowd surfing at a Dropkick Murphy's concert. And then he gets up on stage... So it’s just an interesting contrast in the way they’re campaigning.”
— Kevin Miller (09:33)
7. Susan Collins’ Vulnerability & National Dynamics (11:37)
- Collins’ Dilemma: Once able to attract votes from all sides, now struggles as national politics polarizes.
- Trump Effect: Democrats work to tie Collins (a moderate) to Trump’s agenda, using controversial votes (e.g., Kavanaugh).
- Appropriations Chairmanship: Major achievement, but unclear if it helps in today’s politicized climate.
Quote:
“Maine is the only state that Donald Trump lost in 2024 that has a Republican incumbent senator running for reelection... It’s gonna be a test of whether Trump is a help or a hindrance to Republican incumbents.”
— Mara Liasson (14:48)
8. Immigration, ICE, and Local Politics (17:00)
- Recent ICE Surge: Controversial federal immigration enforcement in Maine’s cities.
- Collins’ Response: Claimed credit for de-escalating the situation via personal intervention.
- Democrats' Counterpoint: Downplay Collins’ role; argue for systemic reform, not just one-off interventions.
9. Broader Implications for Democrats (19:22)
- Senate Math: Democrats need four pickups; Maine and North Carolina are top targets.
- Changing Electoral Map: Reapportionment will shift power south, requiring Democrats to win in redder, more rural states.
- Maine as Microcosm: Reflects the party’s existential need to reconnect with rural, white working-class voters.
Quote:
“The Maine race is a microcosm of the Democrats’ bigger—and I would call them existential—challenges... They have to learn how to win red states in rural areas...”
— Mara Liasson (20:20)
Notable Moments & Quotes
- Graham Platner addresses past controversies:
- “I went through some really dark times with PTSD and depression after I came back, but I worked through that and now I’m a different person.”
— Kevin Miller, paraphrasing Platner (07:17)
- “I went through some really dark times with PTSD and depression after I came back, but I worked through that and now I’m a different person.”
- How the Democratic primary feels:
- “It’s kind of been an argument between experience versus kind of the new fresh face in politics who’s willing to come in and shake things up.”
— Kevin Miller (03:09)
- “It’s kind of been an argument between experience versus kind of the new fresh face in politics who’s willing to come in and shake things up.”
- On Collins’ shifting coalition:
- “Those Democrats [who once voted for Collins] are largely now gone in the Trump era.”
— Kevin Miller (12:05)
- “Those Democrats [who once voted for Collins] are largely now gone in the Trump era.”
Key Timestamps by Segment
- 00:34: Introduction to Maine’s Senate race & why it matters
- 01:45: Who are the main Democratic contenders?
- 03:14: Primary campaign issues and contrasts
- 04:26: What this race says about the Democratic Party
- 05:34: The Platner tattoo controversy and his response
- 07:52: Fundraising, polls, and campaign styles
- 11:37: Discussing Susan Collins’ vulnerability
- 13:28: Collins at the Oval Office, the Trump effect
- 17:00: Immigration, ICE and impact on the race
- 19:22: National Senate math, rural voters, and Democratic strategy
- 21:26: Closing thoughts and primary date (June 9)
Conclusion
Maine’s 2026 Senate race epitomizes evolving American political battlegrounds—intraparty generational divides, reputational risks, national party alignment, and changing demographics. As Democrats struggle to choose between experience and insurgency, and Susan Collins faces her toughest reelection in decades, the outcome will serve as a barometer for party strategies and rural engagement across the nation.
Next key date: Maine’s primary is June 9, 2026.