Maine Governor Janet Mills announced her candidacy for the Democratic Senate primary on Tuesday, positioning herself as the establishment favorite to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. The move comes amid aggressive recruitment by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, as Democrats eye the seat as a key pickup opportunity in a state Kamala Harris won in 2024. Mills faces competition from younger candidates in a race that highlights generational tensions within the party.
Maine Governor Janet Mills, a term-limited Democrat, entered her state's crowded U.S. Senate primary on Tuesday, aiming to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins in the 2026 midterms. The announcement positions Mills as the preferred candidate of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who had been aggressively recruiting her for the race. Democrats see Collins' seat as their only top pickup chance in a state that Kamala Harris carried by 7 points in 2024, making it essential for regaining Senate control, which requires flipping four seats.
In her launch video, Mills criticized Collins for enabling President Donald Trump, particularly over issues like transgender sports participation. "I won’t sit idly by while Maine people suffer and politicians like Susan Collins bend the knee as if this were normal," she said. Mills added, "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."
The primary pits the 77-year-old Mills against younger challengers, underscoring debates about political age. Oyster farmer Graham Platner, 41, has raised over $3 million and secured an endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), signaling he is unlikely to exit the race. Maine Beer Company owner Dan Kleban, 48, is also competing, with his fundraising details set for release on Wednesday.
Mills, who won her gubernatorial races by wide margins, began seriously considering the bid last month after initial hesitation. If elected, she would become the oldest first-year senator in history, five years senior to the 72-year-old Collins. Republicans plan to highlight Mills' public clashes with Trump and her age as vulnerabilities.
The contest reflects broader Democratic struggles post-2024 losses of the White House and Congress. While a 2020 effort to oust Collins failed despite heavy spending, her waning popularity in the increasingly blue state offers fresh optimism for Democrats.