Democrats in Maine ignite a bitter primary battle with 77-year-old Governor Janet Mills jumping in to challenge resilient Republican Senator Susan Collins, exposing their party’s fractures just as President Trump strengthens America’s defenses.
Story Snapshot
- Janet Mills, 77 and five years older than Collins, enters Democratic Senate primary, positioning as anti-Trump warrior despite post-Biden age concerns.
- Insurgent Graham Platner, backed by Bernie Sanders with $4M raised, sets stage for establishment vs. populist Democrat showdown.
- Susan Collins, moderate R victor in 2020 (51%) and 2022 (13 pts), exploits Maine independents favoring bipartisanship against national Dem attacks.
- Chuck Schumer recruited Mills to flip seat for Senate control, but internal splits risk weakening nominee before facing Collins.
Mills Enters Crowded Primary
Janet Mills announced her Senate candidacy on October 14, 2025, via video, targeting Susan Collins for supporting President Trump’s Supreme Court nominees that protected unborn life by overturning Roe v. Wade. At 77, Mills exceeds Collins’ 72 years, ignoring lessons from Biden’s age scrutiny. She boasts 55% approval from her gubernatorial record on health care and inflation fights, yet must defeat oyster farmer Graham Platner first. Platner launched in August 2025, raising $4 million with Bernie Sanders’ endorsement at a 7,500-attendee rally.
Democratic Infighting Heats Up
Early October saw Dan Kleban drop out after Mills’ entry, leaving Platner and Jordan Wood in the field. Mills claims independence from Schumer’s recruitment, stating she deliberated personally for Maine’s needs. Platner channels progressive economic angst via leaked rally tapes, backed by Sanders against establishment figures. Power dynamics pit Mills’ DSCC ties against Platner’s insurgency, risking base alienation. WBUR notes DSCC meddling could harm Mills among wary progressives.
https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2025/10/17/democratic-senate-susan-collins-maine
Collins’ Proven Strength in Maine
Susan Collins holds Maine’s Senate seat since 1997, winning 51%-42% in 2020 despite $100 million Democratic spending on Sara Gideon, and by 13 points in 2022. As a moderate, she critiques Trump rhetoric but backed his impeachments acquittal and justices restoring constitutional limits on abortion. Maine independents reward her bipartisan appeal in a state Harris won by 7 points. Democrats target her declining popularity in a bluing state, but history shows resilience.
Mills highlights clashes like blocking Trump’s school lunch efficiencies and transgender sports policies, framing Collins as bending to Trump. Collins defends self-reliance and family values Maine voters cherish, countering leftist overreach on woke agendas.
Stakes for 2026 Midterms
The primary tests Democratic strategies post-Biden, with short-term resource drains potentially splitting progressives from establishment. Long-term, flipping Maine aids Senate control to obstruct Trump’s agenda on borders, spending cuts, and gun rights. Mills touts economic record against Platner’s populism amid inflation woes from past fiscal mismanagement. Social flashpoints like transgender youth policies and abortion energize bases but alienate independents.
Analysts warn opposition-only campaigns falter post-Trump victories. Collins exploits Maine’s independent streak, positioning as bulwark against government overreach. A weakened Democratic nominee bolsters Republican holds, advancing limited government and traditional principles nationwide.
Sources:
A Democrat 5 years older than Susan Collins, 72, just entered Maine Senate primary (The Independent)
WBUR: Democratic Senate primary dynamics in Maine
Politico: Janet Mills enters crowded Maine Senate race
