Portland, Maine – Governor Janet Mills Announces Run for U.S. Senate in 2026, Setting Up High-Stakes Race Against Susan Collins

Janet Mills, the first woman to serve as governor of Maine, has officially announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2026, aiming to unseat longtime Republican incumbent Susan Collins. If successful, Mills would accomplish what no Maine candidate has managed in over three decades: defeating Collins, a moderate GOP senator who has held office since 1997.

Mills made her announcement in a campaign video on Tuesday, emphasizing her commitment to defending Maine’s interests. “I won’t sit idly by while Maine people suffer and politicians like Susan Collins bend the knee as if this were normal,” Mills said. “My life’s work has prepared me for this fight, and I’m ready to win. This election will be a simple choice: Is Maine going to bow down or stand up? I know my answer.”

Mills’ Political Background and Appeal

The 77-year-old governor first won office in 2018, capturing the governor’s seat by over seven points, and secured reelection in 2022 with a 13-point margin. National Democrats view Mills as a key candidate to challenge Collins and help narrow the Republican majority in the Senate. However, the race is expected to be highly competitive, reflecting both Maine’s unique political landscape and the challenges Democrats face in the 2026 midterms.

Collins has proven a resilient incumbent, winning reelection by more than eight points in 2020 despite Democrat Joe Biden’s statewide margin of nine points. Known for her moderate positions, Collins frequently frustrates both parties yet maintains strong support among Maine voters. Her last electoral defeat was a 1994 gubernatorial bid.

Potential Democratic Primary Tensions

Mills’ entry into the Senate race may ignite a contentious primary between establishment Democrats and progressive challengers. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, is backing Graham Platner, a younger candidate, military veteran, and oyster farmer. Sanders criticized Mills’ candidacy as potentially divisive: “Graham Platner is a great working class candidate for Senate in Maine who will defeat Susan Collins. It’s disappointing that some Democratic leaders are urging Governor Mills to run. We need to focus on winning that seat & not waste millions on an unnecessary & divisive primary.”

The debate over generational change within the Democratic Party remains a key issue, as party leaders weigh whether to prioritize experienced, older candidates like Mills or to cultivate younger leaders who could revitalize the party’s brand following a difficult 2024 election cycle.

Implications for the 2026 Midterms

Mills’ campaign launch signals that Democrats in Maine are preparing for one of the most closely watched Senate races in the nation. The outcome could impact national strategies for both parties as they approach the 2026 midterms, particularly with control of the Senate hanging in the balance. Democrats hope Mills can leverage her gubernatorial record and broad appeal to challenge Collins’ longstanding incumbency while navigating internal party divisions.

Conclusion

Janet Mills’ Senate bid sets the stage for a high-stakes political contest in Maine, highlighting generational tensions within the Democratic Party and the broader challenge of flipping a Republican-held seat. With the 2026 midterms shaping up as a critical test for both parties, Mills’ campaign may become a key focal point in national politics.