Maine Gov. Janet Mills Launches Senate Campaign Against Susan Collins/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Maine Governor Janet Mills has announced her 2026 U.S. Senate campaign, taking aim at incumbent Republican Susan Collins and Donald Trump’s policies. Mills says the political moment demands a fighter who will defend democracy and Maine values. Her candidacy makes Maine one of the Democrats’ top Senate targets next year.
Janet Mills Senate Bid Quick Looks
- Gov. Janet Mills to run for U.S. Senate in 2026
- Will challenge five-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins
- Cites Trump confrontation, vows to “stand up” to him again
- Focus on defending democracy, children’s programs, public health
- Maine is a rare Democratic target in a GOP-leaning map
- Collins’ support for Kavanaugh and Kennedy draws criticism
- Mills touts record on transgender rights and health care
- Republicans label her “liberal and unpopular” in response ad
- Mills previously resisted calls to run, now says moment demands it
- Other Democrats have declared but Mills seen as frontrunner
Deep Look: Janet Mills Enters 2026 Senate Race to Challenge Susan Collins, Push Back on Trump
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine Governor Janet Mills is officially entering the 2026 U.S. Senate race, setting up a high-profile showdown with Republican Senator Susan Collins in a contest that could shape control of the Senate and serve as a referendum on Donald Trump’s enduring political influence.
In a campaign launch video released Tuesday, Mills positioned herself as a direct counter to Trump and his legislative allies. She pointed to her public confrontation with the former president in February — when she pushed back on his executive order banning transgender athletes from school sports — as evidence of her willingness to challenge him face-to-face.
“I’ll stand up to Trump, just as I did in February,” Mills said in an interview previewing her campaign with the Associated Press.
The Democratic governor, barred by term limits from seeking a third term, had long resisted calls to run. But she now says the stakes — from threats to democracy to cuts in public assistance programs — compelled her to launch a bid.
Taking Aim at Trump and Collins
Mills’ entry into the race marks a bold escalation in her long-standing opposition to Trump-era policies. She accused the former president of slashing federal programs benefiting children, low-income families, and public health, including food and health care assistance, as part of the GOP-backed tax and spending legislation passed in July.
She also took aim at Senator Susan Collins, who voted in favor of that legislation and supported several Trump-backed nominees, including Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr..
“I think the moment demands a lot more than we’re seeing from Susan Collins,” Mills said. “It demands a fighter.”
Maine’s Key Role in 2026 Senate Elections
National Democrats see Maine as a rare opportunity to flip a Republican-held seat in a Democratic-leaning state. Of all the states holding Senate elections in 2026, Maine is the only one where Republicans are defending a seat in a state that voted for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in 2024.
Flipping Maine could be critical for Democrats, who must gain a net of four Senate seats to retake control of the chamber. Most 2026 races are in red or battleground states Trump carried.
A Legacy of Independent Leaders
Mills framed her campaign as part of Maine’s bipartisan legacy of principled leadership. She invoked the names of Margaret Chase Smith, William Cohen, George Mitchell, and Olympia Snowe — a mix of Republicans and Democrats known for crossing party lines and prioritizing democratic values.
“I see Susan Collins as failing to live up to that legacy,” Mills said, criticizing Collins’ votes on Trump-era policies as out of step with Maine values.
Though Collins voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial for inciting the January 6 Capitol riot, Mills believes her overall record fails to meet the moment.
Republican Response: “No Thanks, Janet”
The National Republican Senatorial Committee and the Maine GOP wasted no time attacking Mills. In a video ad released Tuesday, Republicans blasted her for resisting Trump’s immigration and transgender policies and labeled her a “liberal and unpopular” governor.
“She’s Chuck Schumer’s handpicked candidate,” said Maine GOP Chair Jim Deyermond, calling her too far left for a state with a history of electing moderates.
The February Showdown with Trump
Mills’ most viral moment came during a February meeting at the White House, where Trump publicly challenged her over the transgender athlete order.
“Are you not going to comply?” Trump asked.
“I’m complying with state and federal law,” Mills replied.
“Then you’re not getting any federal funding,” Trump said.
“I’ll see you in court,” Mills responded.
“Good. That should be an easy one,” Trump said. “Enjoy your life after governor.”
Trump’s threat backfired when, in May, the administration reversed its decision to freeze federal child nutrition funds tied to the transgender sports issue.
Mills later reflected, “I’ve spent the better part of my career listening to loud men talk tough to disguise their weaknesses.”
From Reluctance to Action
Although she initially downplayed the possibility of running, Mills now says she’s driven by rising threats to health care, democracy, and the economy.
“The idea of being in D.C. for me is not something that’s fun,” she said. “But the moment demands it.”
Several other Democrats, including oyster farmer Graham Platner, have already launched campaigns. Platner, who has Sen. Bernie Sanders’ support, has built a grassroots online presence, but Mills is widely seen as the Democratic frontrunner.
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