How possible Platner replacements stack up against Collins: Polling
Polling conducted by Graham Platner’s team regarding the Maine Senate race indicates a clear Democratic front-runner aiming to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins. Platner withdrew from the race after allegations from his ex-girlfriend surfaced, and prior to public announcement, he sought voter opinions on potential replacements to identify strong contenders. Among potential candidates, former state senator Troy Jackson leads in polling, while Governor Janet Mills performs the weakest. Other prospects include Nirav Shah, Shenna Bellows, Jordan Wood, and several interested newcomers.Candidates must declare by July 15, with a maine Democratic Party convention to select a replacement by July 27. The race is highly competitive and crucial for party control of the Senate, with Democrats aiming to replace Platner and challenge Collins in November, amid concerns that his withdrawal may aid GOP efforts to retain their slim majority. The race’s outcome is highly anticipated as it could significantly impact the balance of power in the Senate.
Polling Graham Platner’s team conducted on the Maine Senate race before he suspended his campaign indicates there is a clear Democratic front-runner in the bid to oust Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).
Platner dropped out of the race on Wednesday after his ex-girlfriend claimed he raped her. Before he made the announcement public, the embattled Democrat preemptively sponsored surveys of voters to see what they thought of potential replacements and determine who might have the best shot of defeating Collins.
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Former state senator Troy Jackson performed best, with polling showing him winning by 5 points. Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME) performed the worst, losing by 11 points. Former Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention director Nirav Shah and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows would both tie with Collins, according to the poll. Former Capitol Hill staffer Jordan Wood was projected to lose to Collins by nine points in the general election.
All of those potential Platner replacements have already launched a bid or expressed interest in doing so, except for Mills. The governor previously launched a Senate bid as the establishment favorite to win the race, but dropped out in April after Platner, the more progressive anti-establishment option, made significant gains.
Aside from the possible replacements Platner polled, there are several others who have expressed interest in running for the Democratic nomination. Those include Maine state Rep. Valli Geiger, former congressional candidate Paige Loud, former Senate candidate David Costello, and former Senate candidate Dan Kleban.
Candidates to replace Platner must formally declare their campaign to do so by July 15 at 5 p.m. Then, they will take part in a whirlwind convention held by the Maine Democratic Party to select the new nominee. The party has until July 27 at 5 p.m. to formally submit Platner’s replacement as the new candidate to challenge Collins in November.
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The process is being closely watched as the Maine Senate race is projected to be one of the closest in the country and could decide which party holds control in the upper chamber.
Republicans are fighting to maintain their slim majority in the Senate, with Collins emerging as one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the 2026 elections. Platner’s exit could offer the GOP a boost, as it means Democrats face just three full months to rally voters’ support for his replacement.
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