The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan electoral analysis group, has shifted its rating for the Maine Senate race from “Leans Republican” to “Toss-Up” following the announcement that Maine Governor Janet Mills (D) will challenge Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine).
Amy Walter, the editor-in-chief and publisher of the Cook Political Report, noted that for the first time since Collins began her Senate career in 1996, she’s up against an incumbent state officeholder who could outperform her party’s presidential nominee.
Walter remarked, “While Mills doesn’t have a guaranteed path to the nomination, she’s definitely a strong new candidate in a field that lacks well-known figures. Collins has let down voters for years, but the current political climate is extremely polarized, making it harder for her to bridge partisan divides.”
Mills, who is 77, now enters a competitive race against Collins, who has held her Senate seat for five terms and is recognized as a moderate within the Republican caucus. Mills’ entry is considered a win for Senate Democratic leaders, who have encouraged her to run.
Her supporters point out that she secured more than half of the state’s votes in her last two gubernatorial campaigns, suggesting she has the experience to take on prominent Republicans, including President Trump, at a time when Democrats are seeking strong candidates.
Meanwhile, Graham Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer and military veteran, has also gained attention on a national scale, attracting backing from progressive Senator Bernie Sanders (R-Vermont) and various youth-oriented Democratic organizations. Platner promotes a working-class agenda and focuses on economic populism.
His campaign has reportedly raised $4 million since launching in August.
Walter commented on Collins, who is 72, suggesting that she might be relieved to see the Democratic Party engaged in a primary contest that could drain financial resources and leave its eventual nominees weakened.
