Maine Gov. Janet Mills, D, announced on Tuesday that she will run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, setting up a high-stakes challenge to Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a state Democrats view as a top pickup. The term-limited governor framed her bid around clashes with President Donald Trump and criticism of Collins’ posture toward him.
“Honestly, if this president and this Congress were doing things that were even remotely acceptable, I wouldn’t be running for the U.S. Senate,” she said in her announcement video.
Democrats view Collins’ seat as a top pickup opportunity in a midterm map where the party needs four seats to reclaim the Senate, Politico reported. Collins is the lone Republican up for reelection in a state Trump lost in 2024, The New York Times reported. According to Politico, Kamala Harris carried Maine by seven points.
What the documents or officials say
Mills’ launch video highlighted her dispute with Trump over Maine’s transgender sports protections and accused Collins of enabling him.
“I won’t sit idly by while Maine people suffer and politicians like Susan Collins bend the knee as if this were normal,” Mills said.
Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.
Point phone camera here
Mills also said she is running because of what she called an “urgent, unprecedented, dangerous moment,” adding, “Defeating Susan Collins will be hard — the stakes are high, and we should leave nothing to chance,” the Times reported.
How is the primary shaping up?
Mills enters as the establishment favorite after an aggressive recruitment push by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Politico reported. She will face a competitive Democratic primary against Graham Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer and veteran who has raised at least $3 million and has the endorsement of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
Platner has argued that Democrats should not default to “establishment” picks and has criticized Collins; Sanders warned against an “unnecessary & divisive primary.”
Other Democrats include Jordan Wood, whose campaign said it raised $3 million, and Maine Beer Company cofounder Dan Kleban.
What do records and age mean in this race?
Mills, 77, would be the oldest elected first-year senator if she wins; Collins is 72 and seeking a sixth term. Mills has twice won statewide by wide margins and points to expanding MaineCare, meeting the state’s 55% K-12 funding target and navigating COVID-19 among accomplishments, the Maine Morning Star reported.
Collins has proved resilient, winning in 2020 by nine points after trailing in most polls.
What’s next
Mills continues to serve as governor while campaigning; Democrats consider Maine central to their path to a Senate majority, Politico reported. The primary field remains fluid as Kleban weighs his path, while Mills and Platner build their organizations.
