A prominent Democratic figure has declared his intention to run for the Senate, aiming to shift the balance in the 2026 midterm elections. With the support of Democratic elites, Janet Mills could make history as the oldest first-time senator if she wins.
At 77 years old, Mills is the term-limited governor of Maine and is entering a competitive race against Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins.
“Maine’s Democratic Party finds itself in a heated struggle between Chuck Schumer’s establishment and Bernie Sanders’ far-left factions,” a sentiment echoed by various party members.
Mills made her campaign public through social media on Tuesday. She stated, “I’m running for the Senate to defeat Susan Collins and provide Maine residents with a voice in Washington.” In another post, she remarked, “I have never backed down from a bully, and I never will. Donald Trump is stripping healthcare from millions, increasing costs, and handing massive tax breaks to corporate CEOs, all while Susan Collins enables him. My life’s work has equipped me for this battle, and I’m ready to prevail.”
The announcement video showcases a confrontation between Mills and President Trump during a February meeting with state governors. When Trump threatened to withdraw federal funds from Maine over an executive order related to transgender participation in sports, Mills retorted, “I’ll see you in court.”
Sen. Chuck Schumer and other Democratic leaders reportedly view Mills as a prime candidate to flip this Senate seat in the upcoming elections.
Joanna Rodriguez, spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, commented on Mills’ declaration, noting, “Maine’s Democratic Party is stuck in a divisive struggle between Schumer’s out-of-touch establishment and Sanders’ far-left radicals.”
Mills’ unexpected announcement on Tuesday followed an earlier one made on Friday, which her campaign quickly deleted. Other Democrats also contesting for the Senate seat include Graham Platner, Jordan Wood, Dan Kleban, Carmen Calabrese, and Natasha Alcala, with Philip Rench running as an independent.
Since first securing her position in 1996, Collins has successfully won multiple re-elections, although she has not yet announced her plans for a sixth term.
