Maine Governor Janet Mills (D) has officially kicked off her campaign to challenge Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), marking a significant primary contest that contrasts the establishment and populist factions within the Democratic Party.
Mills’ campaign was sparked by encouragement from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, but influential progressives, such as Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), are backing Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and military veteran.
Sanders has voiced his opposition to Mills’ run, raising concerns that the primary could become challenging and undermine efforts to defeat the Republican candidate, whom he views as historically weak.
“I think she’s certainly the frontrunner. She’s quite well-known,” commented James Melcher, a political science professor at the University of Maine at Farmington. “The party is pushing hard for both candidates, though,” he noted, expressing that Representative Jared Golden believes they represent the group’s best chance.
However, Melcher pointed out that Mills is “not guaranteed to win.” He added, “Many Maine Democrats are eager for a discussion about our future direction. There’s a belief among various party members that primaries can be constructive.”
In a two-minute video ad unveiling her campaign, Mills emphasized her commitment to opposing federal threats to withhold funds from states that allow transgender women to participate in women’s sports.
“We pushed back against Trump and prevented him from cutting Maine’s school lunch program. But there are too many politicians in Washington, Collins included, who have strayed from their principles and succumbed to bullies like Trump, negatively impacting the people of Maine,” she stated in the ad. “I’ve never backed down from a bully, and that won’t change.”
She concluded her ad with a stirring question: “Will Maine bow down or stand up? I know my answer.”
Supporters of Mills highlight her successful statewide campaigns and her history as a two-term attorney general and district attorney in various Maine counties.
“We need someone with grit and guts, who has proven they will fight back against Trump’s harmful actions towards Maine—Janet Mills is that person,” stated Jessica Mackler from Emily’s List, endorsing Mills.
Mills’ entry into the Democratic primary adds competition, as Platner is joined by a slate of candidates including fashion designer Natasha Alcala, military veteran David Evans, former Army member Tucker Favreau, Maine Beer Company co-founder Dan Kleban, Professor Andrea Laflamme, and former U.S. Air Force contractor Daila Smith-Rodriguez.
“Democratic primary voters right now just want to win,” noted Ranae Erickson, a senior vice president at Third Way.
Yet, Sanders and certain younger Democratic groups favor Platner, whose campaign focuses on working-class and economic populism. Despite being relatively unknown initially, he has made significant strides, raising $4 million since August.
Platner welcomed Mills’ campaign announcement and highlighted the support he’s gained through town hall meetings across the state. “Everywhere we go, we hear a common sentiment: people are ready for change,” he remarked. “They see this broken system, and they believe that long-standing politicians like Collins won’t fix it.”
Some observers view this election as less about factional battles within the party and more about the need for fresh, younger leadership. There’s a sense of urgency, especially following a historic loss in the 2024 election, with many pondering how to engage younger voters effectively.
“The conversation inside the Democratic Party has understandably turned towards age and the need to revitalize connections with young and working-class voters,” said David Hogg, president and co-founder of Leaders We Deserve. “Graham Platner may not be the sole answer, but he’s an important step forward.”
Santiago Mayer, executive director of Voters of Tomorrow, added that young voters are tired of the status quo in politics.
Those close to Mills argue against the perception that it’s the wrong time for her candidacy, highlighting her achievements in expanding Medicaid and abortion access in Maine.
However, members of the progressive wing, including Sanders, worry that Mills’ candidacy could complicate the primary dynamics. “It’s unfortunate to see some party leaders urging Governor Mills to run. We need to concentrate on securing that seat rather than squandering resources on divisive primaries,” he expressed on social media recently.
Senate Republicans, meanwhile, may view Mills’ entry as beneficial, having already dealt with competitive primaries in other states like Georgia and Texas. Republican campaign spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez pointed out Mills’ age, questioning her ambition to become the oldest freshman senator while criticizing Maine’s economic struggles under her leadership.
“I’m confident that regardless of which Democrat prevails, Mainers will continue to trust Susan Collins, an independent problem-solver,” she added.
In contrast, Senate Democrats believe Collins’ position may be vulnerable this election cycle. “Collins has unique weaknesses, and her declining popularity stems from her record of betraying the interests of Mainers, having voted for justices who overturned Roe v. Wade and supported Trump’s harmful agenda,” stated Maeve Coyle, spokesperson for the Senate Democratic Campaign. “We will flip this seat in 2026.”
