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Maine Governor Janet Mills to Challenge Susan Collins for US Senate

Mills, 77, would be the oldest freshman senator if elected. Democrats see her as a strong contender despite Collins' reelection record.

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2025 October 16 . 4:05 PM

1 min read

This picture shows a woman standing and speaking with the help of a microphone and we see two Flags... — This picture shows a woman standing and speaking with the help of a microphone and we see two Flags on the podium.

Maine Governor Janet Mills to Challenge Susan Collins for US Senate

Maine Governor Janet Mills, a prominent Democrat, is set to announce her candidacy for the US Senate on Tuesday. She will challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins, who is considered tough to beat. Mills, at 77, would be the oldest freshman senator if elected, but her record of winning statewide races is strong.

Democrats are pinning high hopes on Mills' candidacy. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has encouraged her to run, seeing it as crucial to their chances of winning back the Senate or narrowing the Republican majority. Mills is joining a crowded field of political novices in the Democratic primary.

Mills' top opponents in the primary include oysterman Graham Platner, brewery owner Dan Kleban, and former US House staffer Jordan Wood, none of whom have held political office. Collins, the incumbent, is considered difficult to beat, having been reelected by nearly nine points in 2020 despite Biden winning the state by a similar margin. Mills, however, has shown a willingness to push back on the Trump administration, including sparring with Trump over transgender athletes and federal funding.

Mills' announcement comes as Democrats are also recruiting prominent candidates in North Carolina and Ohio for Senate races. The announcement date could shift due to the ongoing government shutdown. The race in Maine is shaping up to be a key contest in the battle for control of the Senate.