Poll Reveals Close Race for Potential Replacements of Graham Platner

A poll conducted by Z to A Research indicates a competitive race for potential replacements of Graham Platner, who withdrew from the Maine Senate race on July 6, 2026. The poll, shared with NOTUS, shows Republican Senator Susan Collins in tight contests against former gubernatorial candidates Nirav Shah, Shenna Bellows, and Troy Jackson. The results show Shah at 47% to Collins' 46%, Bellows at 47% tied with Collins, and Jackson at 47% to Collins' 48%. All results fall within the poll's margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points. Shah and Jackson have announced their candidacies, while Bellows is considering running. The poll surveyed 988 likely voters on July 5 and 6, prior to Platner's announcement. A separate flash poll conducted by Platner's campaign indicated Jackson performed best against Collins, with 49% to 44%. The Maine Democratic Party plans to hold a nominating convention by July 27 to select a new nominee, with 600 delegates participating. Following allegations of sexual assault against Platner, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee withdrew its support, and a majority of voters viewed Platner unfavorably.