Janet Mills, the two-term Democratic governor of Maine, has officially launched her bid for the U.S. Senate in 2026, setting the stage for a significant political showdown with longtime Republican incumbent Susan Collins. This move comes as a strategic win for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has advocated for Mills to take up the challenge.
Mills, at 77, is a seasoned political figure with a notable track record. She became Maine’s first female attorney general and later its first female governor, defeating former Republican Gov. Paul LePage in 2022 by a considerable margin. The Democratic Party sees her as their best chance to unseat Collins, the only Republican senator facing reelection in a state won by Democrats in the last presidential election. A potential victory for Mills could be pivotal for Democrats aiming to regain the Senate majority.
However, the path to the Democratic nomination won’t be smooth. Mills must first contend with a competitive primary, notably from Graham Platner, a younger candidate who has garnered significant attention and backing from progressive stalwart Bernie Sanders. Platner, a military veteran and self-styled working-class advocate, has raised over $3 million since entering the race. His emergence adds a layer of tension to the Democratic contest, underscoring a clash between the party’s establishment and its left wing. Sanders’ support for Platner indicates a desire for candidates who resonate with the progressive base, prompting concerns about a potentially divisive primary.
Mills is positioning herself as a fighter against what she terms “bullies,” referencing the Trump administration’s policies and aligning Collins with those criticisms. “Donald Trump is ripping away health care from millions, driving up costs, and giving corporate CEOs massive tax cuts. And Susan Collins is helping him,” she declared. This rhetorical strategy aims to rally Democratic voters around a clear adversary, framing the race not just as a competition for a seat, but as a broader fight against perceived injustices.
The Democrats are not short on candidates, as seen with other hopefuls like Dan Kleban, a co-founder of Maine Beer Co., and Jordan Wood, a former congressional staffer. Each brings varying degrees of fundraising prowess and personal background to the table, signaling a diverse primary field.
The Republican response to Mills’ entry has been swift and critical. Joanna Rodriguez, spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, lashed out at Mills’ candidacy, suggesting it represents a party that has lost touch with Mainers. Rodriguez claimed Mills aims to be “the oldest freshman Senator in American history” with a record that has left Maine struggling economically.
Collins, known for her moderate stance, has a long-standing presence in the Senate, having first been elected in 1996. With a history of double-digit reelections, she is seen as a resilient figure in Maine politics. Although she faced stiff opposition in 2020, winning that race by a solid margin illustrates her persistent voter appeal.
As the political landscape for the 2026 Senate race begins to take shape, Mills’ entry adds significant drama. With Collins’ incumbency and a competitive primary ahead, the outcome remains uncertain. The developing narrative will hinge on how voters perceive both candidates and the issues they champion, especially amid the larger national contexts surrounding their campaigns.
This race will not only impact the Senate dynamics but also reflect broader themes within both parties as they grapple with internal divides and the quests for power in a changing political environment. The upcoming months will be crucial as Mills navigates the primaries while maintaining momentum against Collins in a battleground state.
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