Maine’s Governor Janet Mills has officially entered the race for the U.S. Senate. On October 14, 2025, she launched her campaign with a bold message and a powerful video that quickly gained traction online.
As Maine’s first female governor, Mills is stepping into one of the nation’s most closely watched political fights — taking on Republican Senator Susan Collins, former President Donald Trump’s influence, and growing questions from within her own party.
Key Takeaways
- Janet Mills announced her Senate campaign on October 14, 2025, challenging Republican Senator Susan Collins.
- Her campaign video has already crossed 153,000+ views on X (formerly Twitter).
- Democrats see Maine as a major opportunity to flip the Senate, currently held 53–47 by Republicans.
- Mills faces a competitive Democratic primary, with younger candidates backed by progressives.
- Early ratings from Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball have shifted the race to a “Toss-Up.”
A Governor With A Record Of Wins
Janet Mills isn’t entering quietly. After two strong terms as governor — winning in 2018 by 8 points and 2022 by nearly 13 — she is positioning herself as a battle-tested Democrat ready to take on what she calls “MAGA extremism.”
In her campaign video, she criticized Trump for raising costs for working families and rewarding wealthy corporations. She also called out Senator Collins for “bending the knee” on key votes, including her role in overturning Roe v. Wade. Mills ended her video with a sharp message: “I’ve never backed down from a bully.”
Her tough stance has struck a chord. The launch video quickly reached over 153,000 views on X, sparking conversations about her readiness for a national role.
Why Democrats See Opportunity In Maine
For Democrats, Maine offers a clear opening. Kamala Harris won the state by 7 points in 2024, showing its potential to swing blue. With the Senate split close, flipping Maine could help shift power back to Democrats.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer personally encouraged Mills to run, viewing her as the strongest challenger against Collins. Within hours of her announcement, major political trackers like Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball moved the Maine race rating from “Lean Republican” to “Toss-Up.”
Voters in Maine have long been frustrated with gridlock in Washington. Mills is expected to focus her campaign on affordable housing, healthcare, and job creation, hoping to connect with everyday concerns.
A Primary Battle That Could Shape The Race
Still, the path to November isn’t smooth. Mills faces a lively Democratic primary with several strong contenders:
- Graham Platner (41) — A veteran and oyster farmer backed by Bernie Sanders. He has already raised $3 million and is appealing to young voters who say it’s time for “fresh leadership.”
- Jordan Wood — Former chief of staff to Katie Porter, also with over $3 million raised. She’s banking on her Washington experience to attract moderate voters.
- Dan Kleban (48) — Founder of Maine Beer Company. He dropped out right after Mills’ announcement, endorsing her as a strong voice on cost-of-living issues.
- David Evans — Former Army veteran and Pentagon writer, running as a grassroots candidate despite praising Mills’ leadership.
This mix of candidates has stirred debate within the party. Traditional Democrats rally behind Mills for her record, while progressives see Platner as a symbol of change.
Online Buzz And Public Reaction
The internet’s response has been intense. Conversations on X show roughly 55% positive and 45% negative sentiment. Many praised her toughness, while others questioned her age — 77 years old — noting she’d be one of the oldest new senators ever.
Her campaign also gained early support from EMILY’s List and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, both highlighting her “grit” and “backbone.” Mills has pledged to serve only one term, and she’s already attracting thousands of small donors with her $5 grassroots campaign push.
Pre-launch polls showed Mills holding around 50% approval, slightly ahead of Collins, whose ties to Trump have hurt her image among independents.
The Bigger Picture
For Maine, this race is more than politics — it’s a test of direction. Can a seasoned leader like Mills unite moderates and progressives to flip a Senate seat? Or will the push for younger leadership reshape Democratic strategy?
Republicans have already begun their attacks, branding her as a failure on taxes and education. Despite the criticism, Mills’ bold record and direct challenges to Trump keep her in the spotlight.
If she clears the primary hurdle, her campaign could redefine Maine’s role in the 2026 Senate map — and possibly make her one of the most-watched Democrats in the country.
