Maine Governor Janet Mills Joins Senate Race Against Susan Collins
In a significant political move, Maine Governor Janet Mills has declared her candidacy for the U.S. Senate, aiming to unseat longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins. This decision places Mills in the spotlight of a high-stakes electoral battle that is central to the Democratic Party’s strategy to reclaim control of the Senate.
Mills, who has been encouraged by Democratic leaders to run, gained national attention following a public dispute with President Trump over transgender athletes. The confrontation, which Mills described as a “jaw-dropping” moment, is prominently featured in her campaign launch video.
“My life’s work has prepared me for this fight and I’m ready to win,” Mills states in her campaign video. “This election will be a simple choice: Is Maine going to bow down or stand up? I know my answer.”
Despite the clarity of her mission, Mills faces a challenging Democratic primary. The field already includes figures like Jordan Wood and Graham Platner, the latter of whom is endorsed by independent Senator Bernie Sanders. Platner has been vocal about his disapproval of national Democratic leaders’ support for Mills, framing it as reliance on the “same old, tired playbook.”
Sanders echoed this sentiment, expressing disappointment over Mills’ recruitment in a social media post, emphasizing the need to focus on winning the seat without a divisive primary.
At 78 years old in December, Mills would be the oldest freshman senator if elected. She remains undeterred, highlighting her gubernatorial successes, including expanding Medicaid and supporting abortion rights post the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision. “I’m the only candidate in this race who has delivered on those things,” she asserts.
Democrats Face Historical Challenges
The U.S. Senate race in Maine poses a significant challenge for Democrats, who haven’t secured a Senate victory there since 1988. Collins, having held her seat since 1996, proved resilient in 2020 despite a strong Democratic challenge. However, Democrats now believe she is more vulnerable, especially with her perceived loss of influence in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Mills critiques Collins for not opposing Trump’s attempts to consolidate executive power, particularly concerning budget control. The Democrats have also targeted Collins’ support for Trump’s contentious Cabinet and judicial appointments.
The primary promises to be competitive, but Mills’ entry may discourage other Democrats from joining the race. Wood and Platner remain committed, with Platner emphasizing his grassroots campaign to reshape the Democratic Party.
Platner, an oyster farmer and military veteran, has gathered significant support, with 6,000 volunteers and substantial fundraising. Meanwhile, Mills’ political career includes two terms as Maine’s attorney general and a gubernatorial victory over former Governor Paul LePage.
“See you in court”
Mills’ confrontation with Trump over transgender athletes exemplifies her willingness to challenge authority. At a White House event, Trump pressed Mills to comply with his executive order, to which she replied, “See you in court,” standing by Maine’s laws.
The Maine primary is part of a broader trend of insurgent Democrats advocating for economic populism. Platner criticizes national Democrats for imposing candidates on local races, advocating instead for campaigns rooted in local support.
“Running candidates that are picked by D.C., running campaigns that are driven by D.C., I think that’s a losing strategy,” Platner says. “I think, what we’re doing — which is really trying to build a campaign of Mainers, for Mainers — that’s the way we win the state of Maine.”
