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Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks during a primary election night watch party after winning the Democratic nomination June 9, 2026, in Blue Hill, Maine. (AP)
Yes, Collins usually votes with Trump, as Platner said. But she broke with him at key moments.
If Your Time is short
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, supported President Donald Trump’s position about 95% of the time in 2025, according to CQ Roll Call, a nonpartisan source that analyzes congressional votes.
The same source found that Collins supported Trump about 90% during his first term.
Collins has disagreed with Trump more than nearly all Republican senators, voting against him on some key measures.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, often touts bipartisanship and moderation. The word "bipartisan" appears 2,635 times on her official website. But her Democratic rival, Graham Platner, said she is a rubber stamp for the Republican president.
"If you are an independent voice, why do you vote with Donald Trump 95% of the time?" Platner said, addressing Collins during his June 9 Senate primary victory speech.
That number matches a respected analysis of senators’ votes in 2025, although Collins sided with Trump at a slightly lower rate during his first term. However, a percentage in isolation disregards that Collins has opposed Trump on some key issues.
Collins largely aligned with Trump’s position in 2025
Collins' 2025 votes supported Trump’s position 94.6% of the time. Among Republicans, only Rand Paul of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska supported Trump less frequently than Collins. Republican senators supported Trump at record levels; most Republicans voted 100% with Trump.
The percentage comes from CQ Roll Call, a nonpartisan source that has examined congressional votes and presidential support since 1953.
Members’ scores reflect how often they vote in agreement with the president’s position. The analyzed votes are a fraction of all votes that Congress takes.
During Trump's first term, Collins sided with Trump about 90% of the time.
Not all votes are equal
Congressional experts said the percentage doesn’t tell the full story about a lawmaker’s record.
Mark D. Brewer, a University of Maine political science professor, said the CQ metrics are legitimate measures and useful to voters, but they have two drawbacks.
"First, they do not register if a member fails to vote on a bill (obviously not a problem for Collins)," Brewer wrote in an email to PolitiFact, a nod to the senator reaching her historic 10,000th vote without missing a roll call vote. "Second, and more important, they treat all measures that the president has taken a position on the same. Obviously some bills matter more to a president than do others, but that is not accounted for here."
Collins has taken some high-profile votes against Trump. In 2026, she sided with Democrats to block a nearly $1.8 billion weaponization fund for Trump allies. In April, she voted in support of a resolution directing the removal of U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran.
In 2025, Collins was one of three Republican senators who voted against Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. Collins said she supported extending tax relief for families and small businesses, but primarily opposed the legislation because of "the harmful impact it will have on Medicaid, affecting low-income families and rural health care providers like our hospitals and nursing homes."
Weeks later, Trump said on Truth Social : "Republicans, when in doubt, vote the exact opposite of Senator Susan Collins. Generally speaking, you can’t go wrong."
She opposed Trump during his first term on some major votes. After the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Collins voted to convict Trump on an impeachment charge. She said his actions interfered with the peaceful transition of power and were an abuse of power.
As Senate Appropriations Committee chair, Collins has the power to shape federal spending. During Trump’s current term, Collins opposed $1 billion in White House ballroom funding and objected to the administration's proposed cuts for biomedical research .
Bipartisan analysis is another way to measure her record
Another useful metric is the Bipartisan Index Rankings, a partnership of the Lugar Center and Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy. The index measures the frequency with which a lawmaker co-sponsors bills offered by the other party and how often they attract or recruit co-sponsors from the other party for their own bills. The more often lawmakers collaborate with members of the other party on bills, the higher their score.
Over the last 13 years, Collins has ranked first on the index among Republicans.
These analyses don’t capture other ways senators can influence outcomes on measures that never reach a vote.
In 2025, the…
Read the full article at PolitiFact →📄Source document: Slate Article: 'He Spent a Month Investigating How Susan Collins Keeps Beating Democrats. Here’s What He Found.'→34 reports
RealClearPoliticsIndependentLeft2 days agoGraham Platner's Democratic Senate campaign against Susan Collins is being scrutinized for policies that align with Augusta's progressive agenda.
Bias read (Left): The article frames Graham Platner's policies as 'progressive,' which is a term typically associated with left-leaning agendas. The focus on scrutinizing his alignment with a progressive agenda implies a critical stance toward his policy positions, suggesting a leftward lean in the framing.
RealClearPoliticsIndependentCenter2 days ago Focus on Platner's Policies? He Fails There, TooGraham Platner's Democratic Senate campaign against Susan Collins is being scrutinized for policies that align with Augusta's progressive agenda.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral observation about Platner's policy alignment without overtly favoring either side. It does not employ loaded language or selectively present information to support a particular viewpoint.
SlateIndependentCenter4 days agoSlate journalist Jim Newell investigates how Senator Susan Collins continues to win re-election in Maine despite the state's historical support for Democrats. The article examines Collins' strategies and evaluates whether she can maintain her advantage against her current opponent, Graham Platner, a political outsider.
Bias read (Center): The article presents an analytical investigation into Susan Collins' electoral success without overtly favoring either political side. It frames the discussion as an exploration of political strategy rather than taking a stance on Collins' policies or performance. The tone remains neutral, focusing
Breitbart NewsIndependentRight6 days agoBill Maher, a liberal HBO talk show host and comedian, is endorsing Democrat Graham Platner in the Maine Senate race despite Platner's controversial background, including a Nazi-themed tattoo and allegations of misconduct. Maher argues that voting for Platner would help restore balance in the Senate, particularly against Republican Senator Susan Collins, who frequently diverges from her party.
Bias read (Right): The article uses loaded language such as 'scandal-plagued,' 'wild-eyed, extremist positions,' and 'broken, horribly-educated, phone-addicted, sort of nutty people' to describe Graham Platner, which frames him negatively. The framing emphasizes Platner's controversies while downplaying the potential
The New York Times (US)Independent🔒Center10 days agoThe Maine Senate Race Ramps Up, With Trump Offering Color Commentary
Bias read (Center): The article does not exhibit clear ideological slant in its framing or sourcing. It mentions the emergence of hostility in the race but does not take a stance or use biased language.
PolitiFactIndependentCenter10 days agoSenator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, typically votes in alignment with former President Donald Trump, supporting his positions approximately 95% of the time in 2025, according to CQ Roll Call. This figure was slightly lower during Trump's first term, at around 90%. Despite this alignment, Collins has occasionally opposed Trump on significant issues. Her campaign emphasizes bipartisan values, reflected by the frequent use of the term 'bipartisan' on her official website. However, her Democratic opponent, Graham Platner, criticized her for being a 'rubber stamp' for Trump, questioning
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from a nonpartisan source (CQ Roll Call) regarding Senator Susan Collins' voting record alongside President Trump. It also includes direct quotes from both Collins and her opponent, Graham Platner, without overtly favoring either side. The framing remains neutral,着重
PoliticoParty-alignedCenter10 days agoDemocrats are still divided over whether to fully support Graham Platner, the winner of Maine's Democratic Senate primary, despite his controversial past. While some progressive lawmakers have embraced Platner as the best chance to defeat Senator Susan Collins and regain Senate control, others remain hesitant. Senators like Mark Kelly and Catherine Cortez Masto have not officially endorsed Platner, citing concerns about his history and lack of direct engagement.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives—supporters of Platner and those with reservations—without overtly favoring one side. It quotes multiple senators expressing differing views without editorializing or using biased language.
CBS News (US)IndependentCenter11 days agoDemocrat Graham Platner won the Maine Democratic primary and will face Senator Susan Collins in the general election. Collins, an independent-minded Republican, is unopposed in her primary. The race is considered crucial for determining Senate control. Platner, a veteran and oyster farmer, positioned himself as a progressive, anti-establishment candidate.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both candidates and their positions without overtly favoring one side. It includes background on both Platner and Collins, highlighting their respective stances and backgrounds without using loaded language or one-sided sourcing.
RealClearPoliticsIndependentCenter11 days ago Graham Platner Makes HistoryGraham Platner has become the first person with a background as a 'vanity oysterman' and a participant at the Hotchkiss school, who also has credible domestic abuse allegations against him, to secure a major party's nomination for the U.S. Senate. He is set to face Republican Senator Susan Collins in the general election.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on an unusual candidate's nomination and upcoming election matchup without taking a clear ideological stance.
ReasonIndependentRight11 days agoGraham Platner, a Democratic candidate who won his primary in Maine, is set to challenge Senator Susan Collins in the general election. The article discusses Platner's background, including his service in the Marines and his work as an oyster farmer, while also highlighting controversies surrounding him such as a Nazi-themed tattoo, allegations of domestic misconduct, and inappropriate online comments.
Bias read (Right): The article uses loaded language to describe Graham Platner, including terms like 'low-conscientiousness loser,' and highlights controversial aspects of his personal life and behavior without providing balanced counterpoints or context. It frames these issues in a critical light, suggesting a right-
PoliticoParty-alignedCenter11 days ago The Democratic establishment begrudgingly moves to embrace Graham PlatnerGraham Platner, an oysterman with a history of scandals, is gaining support from Democratic leaders in Maine despite not being their initial preferred candidate against Republican Senator Susan Collins. His strong performance in the primary has reduced concerns within the Democratic Party about replacing him. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats have expressed confidence in Platner's ability to defeat Collins, focusing criticism on her alignment with former President Donald Trump and her voting record.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts about Graham Platner's political rise and the Democratic Party's response without overtly favoring one side. It includes quotes from both Democratic figures and references to Platner's background and the political climate in Maine. There is no clear ideological slant in ph
Official sources cited
- government Statement from Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand
Associated PressIndependentCenter11 days agoDemocrat Graham Platner will run against Republican Senator Susan Collins in an important Senate race.
Bias read (Center): The headline presents a straightforward statement of the candidates and the election without apparent bias in wording or framing. It does not include evaluative language or emphasize one side over the other.
AxiosIndependentCenter11 days agoGraham Platner, a former Marine with a history of controversy including a Nazi-linked tattoo and allegations of inappropriate behavior, won the Democratic nomination in Maine's Senate primary. Despite ongoing negative coverage, Platner secured the nomination against minimal opposition, with Governor Janet Mills withdrawing from the race earlier due to his strong lead in polling and fundraising. His victory raises questions about the Democratic Party's shifting priorities regarding candidate scandals.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly favorable or critical language toward either side. It reports on the controversies surrounding Platner but does not take a stance on whether his candidacy is beneficial or harmful to the Democratic Party. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the events,
The New York Times (US)Independent🔒Center11 days ago In Maine, a Senate race provokes complex emotions for voters.A Senate race in Maine is generating complex emotional responses among voters.
Bias read (Center): The headline uses neutral, factual language without loaded terminology or partisan framing.
NBC NewsIndependentCenter11 days agoThe article discusses the significance of Graham Platner's performance in the Maine Democratic Senate primary. It highlights that while Platner is expected to win the nomination, the size of his victory could influence perceptions of his viability against Republican Senator Susan Collins in the general election. A strong showing might solidify support for Platner, whereas a narrow win could raise doubts about his chances.
Bias read (Center): The article provides an analytical overview without overtly favoring any side. It presents both possibilities regarding Platner's margin of victory and their implications without using biased language or selectively citing sources.
NBC NewsIndependentCenter12 days ago Graham Platner Faces Key Test in Maine PrimaryThe provided content appears to be a list of headlines and segments from an NBC News broadcast schedule, likely from June 9, 2026. The main headline mentioned is 'Graham Platner Faces Key Test in Maine Primary,' but no full article text is included for this specific story. The rest of the content consists of other headlines and segments related to various topics such as entertainment, sports, health, and politics.
Bias read (Center): No actual article text is provided for the headline 'Graham Platner Faces Key Test in Maine Primary.' The remaining content includes a variety of non-political and general-interest stories, which do not carry significant political charge. Without specific article content, it is not possible to makea
Bloomberg NewsParty-aligned🔒Center12 days agoGraham Platner, a Democratic candidate in Maine's Senate primary, faces new controversies that could challenge his viability as the party's candidate in the upcoming midterm elections.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or emphasis. It reports on the situation facing Graham Platner without taking a stance on his suitability or the implications of the scandals.
The New York Times (US)Independent🔒Center12 days ago Maine Elections Test Democrats’ Support for Platner: What to Watch in Today’s PrimariesThe article discusses the upcoming Maine elections, focusing on Democratic candidate Graham Platner's prospects in the Senate race against Republican incumbent Susan Collins.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral observation about the significance of voter support for Platner without taking a stance or using biased language.
PoliticoParty-alignedCenter12 days ago Some Maine Democrats are wavering on Graham PlatnerSome Maine Democrats are reconsidering their support for Graham Platner after revelations of inappropriate texts he sent during his marriage. Voter reactions highlight growing concerns over Platner's conduct, which could impact the Democratic chances in the upcoming Senate race against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Bias read (Center): The article presents voter perspectives without overtly favoring either side. It highlights division within the Democratic Party and mentions both supporters and critics of Platner, maintaining a balanced tone.
Official sources cited
- statement Darcy Halvorsen Interview
The Daily WireIndependentRight12 days agoThe article discusses the Democratic Senate primary in Maine, focusing on Graham Platner, a progressive Marine veteran and oyster farmer running against Senator Susan Collins. Platner faces challenges due to personal controversies, including a Nazi-linked tattoo and comments that mocked a Purple Heart veteran. Governor Janet Mills withdrew from the race due to lack of funding. The outcome of the primary could impact Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who supported Mills.
Bias read (Right): The article frames Graham Platner's controversies as significant obstacles to his candidacy, emphasizing issues like the Nazi-linked tattoo and remarks about a Purple Heart veteran. It highlights the Democratic establishment's preference for Janet Mills over Platner, suggesting a critique of Platner
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