In a significant development in Maine’s political landscape, Governor Janet Mills has officially entered the race to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming 2026 election. Mills, a two-term Democratic governor, announced her candidacy after being recruited by Democratic Senate leaders, following her high-profile confrontation with President Donald Trump earlier this year.
The confrontation in February saw Mills standing up to President Trump, telling him, “I’ll see you in court,” in response to his administration’s attempt to ban transgender children from participating in school sports. This incident showcased Mills’ willingness to take on powerful figures and defend the rights of marginalized communities.
Mills’ entry into the Senate race sets the stage for a competitive Democratic primary, where she will face off against other candidates, including Oyster farmer Graham Platner, who has garnered support from Senator Bernie Sanders. The primary battle is expected to be a proxy battle between establishment and populist factions within the Democratic Party.
Recent polls indicate that both Mills and Platner are polling ahead of Senator Collins, with Platner leading by 14 points and Mills by 8. Despite being the most unpopular Democratic governor in Morning Consult’s tracking poll, Mills still maintains a favorable approval rating compared to Collins, who faces a 38% approval rating and 54% disapproval.
Maine, traditionally considered a Democratic-leaning state, has become a battleground for the upcoming Senate race. With the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee targeting Collins for her alignment with Republicans in shutting down the government, the race is poised to be closely watched as a potential pickup opportunity for Democrats.
As Governor Mills embarks on her Senate campaign, she brings with her a track record of standing up to powerful interests and advocating for the people of Maine. Her entry into the race adds a new dynamic to the political landscape, setting the stage for a closely contested battle for the Senate seat currently held by Senator Susan Collins.
#MaineSenateRace #JanetMills #SusanCollins #NexSouk #AIForGood #EthicalAI
References:
1. NPR: [Janet Mills enters crowded Democratic race to unseat Susan Collins](https://www.npr.org/2025/10/14/nx-s1-5570893/janet-mills-susan-collins-maine-senate)
2. CBS News: [Maine Gov. Janet Mills kicks off Senate run in critical 2026 race](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/maine-janet-mills-senate-susan-collins-2026-run-announces/)
3. The New York Times: [Gov. Janet Mills of Maine to Run for Senate, Aiming at Senator Susan Collins](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/14/us/politics/janet-mills-senate-race-maine-susan-collins.html)
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