Maine Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, is set to announce her candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), according to multiple reports. Mills, who is term-limited in her current role, plans to reveal her bid on Tuesday. The race has drawn significant attention as it could determine control of the Senate in a state that leans Democratic but has long been a stronghold for Collins, who has served since 1997.
National Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have actively encouraged Mills to run, viewing her as a key strategist in challenging Collins. The contest is seen as critical for Democrats, who aim to flip the Maine seat—a rare instance where a Republican incumbent faces a Democratic challenger in a state that supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
Mills’ entry into the race has already sparked internal party tensions, particularly with progressive candidate Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and Bernie Sanders endorsee. Platner, who raised over $3 million in fundraising, is expected to challenge Mills in a primary battle that could highlight generational and ideological divides within the Democratic Party.
The Senate race remains a high-stakes endeavor for Democrats, who need to gain four additional seats to secure a majority in 2026. Maine’s unique position as a battleground state adds further significance to the contest, with Mills’ candidacy representing a pivotal test for the party’s strategy ahead of the next election cycle.