Janet Mills Launches 2026 US Senate Bid in Maine

Washington, D.C. — October 14, 2025 — Maine Governor Janet Mills announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate today, setting up what promises to be one of the most consequential—and closely watched—races of the 2026 election cycle. The two-term Democrat and Maine's first woman governor is challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins, a fixture in the state's politics for nearly three decades.

For national Democrats, Mills' entry represents a critical breakthrough in what has shaped up as a difficult election map. Maine stands alone as the only 2026 battleground where a Republican senator is defending a seat in a state carried by Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other party leaders have made no secret that flipping Maine may be essential to reclaiming the majority.

In her campaign launch, Mills framed her decision in stark moral terms. "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 declared. She invoked her public confrontations with President Donald Trump, including a heated standoff over federal funding when the Trump administration threatened to withhold aid over Maine's policy on transgender athletes in school sports. Mills' response—"see you in court"—became a defining moment of her governorship, one she now offers as proof of her willingness to challenge Washington.

But Mills' path to the general election is far from clear. She faces a competitive Democratic primary that includes progressive challenger Graham Platner, who has gained early traction and fundraising momentum, Jordan Wood, a former congressional aide, and Dan Kleban, cofounder of Maine Beer Company.

Collins, meanwhile, remains formidable. Her moderate voting record, deep roots in Maine, and current role as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee give her structural advantages. Yet her 2020 reelection margin—just under 51%—was her narrowest in decades, suggesting vulnerability in a state that has trended increasingly competitive.

The outcome in Maine holds national significance. With Republicans clinging to a narrow Senate majority and Democrats facing limited pickup opportunities, every competitive race matters. Control of the chamber could hinge on how Maine voters decide in 2026.