Published: October 20, 2025
Maine Democratic Governor Janet Mills has officially declared her candidacy for the U.S. Senate, setting the stage for a high-profile showdown against five-term Republican Senator Susan Collins in the 2026 midterm elections. Term-limited as governor, Mills brings decades of political experience and strong statewide recognition to what is quickly becoming one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races.
Mills, the first woman elected governor of Maine, has spent a lifetime in public service. She served multiple terms as Maine Attorney General before taking office as governor in 2019. Her tenure has been marked by bipartisan initiatives, a focus on public health and education, and efforts to strengthen rural economies. Her leadership during crises, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, earned national attention and bolstered her reputation as a pragmatic and steady hand in government, appealing to voters across the political spectrum.
Speculation about Mills’s Senate ambitions had circulated for months before her announcement. Early in 2025, she indicated no immediate plans to run, but left the door open. Encouraged by Democratic leaders and buoyed by her growing national profile, Mills decided to enter the race. Her decisive response during a confrontation with President Trump over policies concerning transgender athletes: “see you in court,” has become a defining theme of her campaign. She has been framed as a defender of democratic norms and Maine’s values. By positioning the election as a contest over the state’s independence and integrity, Mills contrasts her proactive leadership with what she portrays as Senator Collins’s alignment with powerful national political forces.
Collins, a moderate Republican who has served in the Senate since 1997, remains popular among independents, making her a formidable opponent. Democrats point to controversial votes – such as her support for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh – as evidence that Collins’s centrist credibility has eroded. Mills has emphasized her record on healthcare, reproductive rights, and crisis management, arguing that Maine voters deserve leadership focused on people rather than partisan politics.
Mills is also expected to face a competitive Democratic primary. Progressive challenger Graham Platner has gained early momentum, securing endorsements from figures like Senator Bernie Sanders, who urged Mills to consider whether her candidacy might provoke a divisive primary. While Mills is widely seen as the frontrunner, she faces pressure from some progressives advocating for new leadership and fresh ideas in Maine politics.
At 77, Mills would become the oldest freshman senator in U.S. history if elected. She addresses this by highlighting her decades of public service and framing the election as a moment requiring experienced leadership rather than experimentation. For Democrats, flipping Collins’s seat is a strategic priority. Republicans currently hold a narrow Senate majority, and Maine’s history of leaning Democratic in presidential elections makes the race nationally significant.
Mills has also sharply criticized Collins as an ally of Trump’s agenda. “I’ve never backed down from a bully, and I never will,” Mills said. “I won’t sit idly by while Maine people suffer and politicians like Susan Collins bend the knee as if this were normal.” Her campaign message emphasizes courage, independence, and accountability, resonating with voters who value principled leadership over partisan loyalty.
The 2026 Maine Senate race promises to be a defining contest, testing the strength of gubernatorial popularity and executive experience against decades of Senate incumbency. Mills’ campaign emphasizes her record and a willingness to take bold stances. “My life’s work has prepared me for this fight, and I’m ready to win,” Mills said. “This election will be a simple choice: Is Maine going to bow down or stand up? I know my answer.”
