The Maine Democratic Party held a nominating convention to choose a replacement for former U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, who formally withdrew from the race on July 11, 2026. Troy Jackson emerged as the new nominee after one round of balloting at the convention in Bangor, Maine and addressed attendees after the vote tally was announced. He emphasized his campaign's promise to fight for affordability for Mainers and claimed he would defeat incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R) in the November general election. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rated the race as a "Toss Up."