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3h ago

Janet Mills Launches Bid to Unseat Susan Collins in High-Stakes Maine Senate Race

Her bid, urged by national Democrats, sets up a high-profile primary against a Sanders-endorsed newcomer.

FILE - Democratic Gov. Janet Mills delivers her State of the State address, Jan. 30, 2024, at the State House in Augusta, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)
Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Senator Susan Collins leaves the weekly Republican Senate policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on July 29, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Maine Governor Janet Mills gestures while speaking during a meeting of northeastern U.S. Governors and Canadian Premiers to discuss the impacts of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and how American and Canadian leaders can continue to work together to maintain economic relations that benefit local businesses and residents, in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Sophie Park

Overview

  • The two-term Maine governor formally entered the 2026 race with a video highlighting her clash with President Trump over transgender-athlete policy and a court-ordered restoration of federal funds to the state.
  • Mills, 77, becomes the establishment favorite and quickly drew support from party figures, including an endorsement from Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto.
  • She faces progressive challenger Graham Platner, 41, who has Bernie Sanders’ endorsement and early small-dollar momentum after raising more than $3 million in his opening weeks.
  • Ratings shifted toward competitiveness following her launch, with Sabato’s Crystal Ball moving the contest to Toss-up; Inside Elections currently rates it Tilt Republican.
  • Collins, a five-term senator and Appropriations chair who says she intends to run again, remains a formidable incumbent as Democrats eye Maine—carried by Kamala Harris in 2024—as a top pickup opportunity; Mills has signaled she would serve only one term if elected.