Polling conducted by Graham Platner's team prior to his withdrawal from the Maine Senate race indicates a clear Democratic front-runner to challenge incumbent Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). Platner suspended his campaign on July 11, 2026, following allegations of sexual assault made by his ex-girlfriend.
The polling results show that former state senator Troy Jackson would lead Collins by 5 points, while Governor Janet Mills (D-ME) would lose to Collins by 11 points. Other candidates, including former Maine CDC director Nirav Shah and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, are projected to tie with Collins. Jordan Wood, a former Capitol Hill staffer, is expected to lose to Collins by 9 points.
All potential replacements for Platner have either launched their campaigns or expressed interest, except for Mills, who previously withdrew from the race after Platner gained traction. Other candidates interested in the Democratic nomination include state Rep. Valli Geiger, former congressional candidate Paige Loud, and former Senate candidates David Costello and Dan Kleban.
Candidates must declare their intention to run by July 15, 2026, and the Maine Democratic Party will hold a convention to select a nominee by July 27, 2026. The outcome of this race is significant as it may influence control of the Senate, with Collins considered one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the upcoming elections.