Sanders Urges Maine Governor to Reconsider Senate Run
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is advocating for Democratic Governor Janet Mills of Maine to avoid entering the 2026 Senate race. He believes her participation would lead to excessive spending in what he calls an “unnecessary and divisive primary.”
Sanders, who collaborates with the Democratic Party, has endorsed Graham Platner, a Marine Corps and Army veteran with four overseas tours. Reports suggest that the governor may announce her candidacy against Republican Senator Susan Collins soon.
“Graham Platner is a fantastic working-class candidate for the Maine Senate who can defeat Susan Collins,” Sanders stated on the platform X.
He expressed disappointment that some Democratic leaders are pushing Governor Mills to run, emphasizing the need to focus on winning the seat rather than wasting funds on a divisive primary.
While Mills hasn’t officially declared her candidacy, Sanders argues it might be best for her to refrain from doing so, signaling that he sees Collins as the likely victor.
“I have nothing against Janet Mills, but I think Susan Collins is currently the frontrunner,” Sanders commented. “It’s unfortunate to think about spending millions on a divisive primary when we should concentrate on defeating Collins, which Platner is capable of achieving.”
He noted that Platner is effectively addressing key issues and has shown the ability to attract significant crowds across Maine.
Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) have also backed Platner, who has begun critiquing Collins for her support of the recent government shutdown and cuts to Medicaid through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
In response, the Stronger Maine Super PAC plans to defend Collins, reportedly launching a $250,000 advertising campaign.
“Susan Collins’ stance is untenable. The dark money supporting her is equally indefensible,” Platner remarked in a statement on Wednesday.
His campaign is already gaining traction financially, reportedly raising around $4 million, as voters eagerly await Mills’ decision regarding her potential run.
