AUGUSTA — Two newcomers to statewide politics are leading the polls in the 2026 race for governor, according to results released Wednesday.

In the Republican primary, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Bobby Charles leads four others with 16% saying they would likely support him, according to the 67th Pan Atlantic Research Omnibus Poll.

On the Democratic side, former Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Nirav Shah leads four others with 24% expressing likely support.

With crowded fields on both sides and six months to go, the results show there’s plenty of time for candidates to make up ground.

The results are based on a sample of 820 likely voters and has a margin of error of 3.7%. The pollsters also note that like all surveys, “these results are indicative of public opinion at a singular point in time and do not seek to project final election results.”

Digging deeper on the Republican side, real estate developer David Jones of Falmouth polled at 6% likely support, followed by healthcare tech executive Jonathan Bush at 5%, state Sen. Jim Libby at 3% and businessman Owen McCarthy at 2%.

The pollsters didn’t ask voters about former Planet Fitness CEO Ben Midgley, who announced his run in August.

Overall, the poll shows high percentages of respondents indicating they are “not familiar” with each candidate, ranging from 49% on the low end to 62% on the high end.

On the Democratic side, following Shah at 24%, are Angus King III who polled at 19% likely support, former House Speaker Hannah Pingree at 18%, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows at 16% and former Senate President Troy Jackson at 8%.

In a statement, Shah said he believes his support is from those who want “something different.” 

“This poll reflects that hunger for change, but it’s only one data point,” Shah said. “I’m running to earn Mainers’ trust every single day by listening, learning, and offering real solutions to the challenges families face.”

King also released a statement that included two data points from the poll. When asked if they would consider supporting King, 43% said yes. Added to the 19% who indicated “likely support” that puts King at 62%.

“This whole campaign is about the kitchen table issues, common sense and our common ground, about solving the challenges we face in a different way,” King said. “It’s terrific to have so many people who want to be part of that conversation and the movement we’re creating to build a better Maine.”