Maine Gov. Janet Mills will challenge Sen. Susan Collins in key 2026 Senate contest, AP sources say
October 10, 2025
Maine’s two-term Democratic Gov. Janet Mills will run for the U.S. Senate seat held by veteran Republican Sen. Susan Collins next year. That’s according to two people familiar with Mills’ plans Friday. Mills’ entry into the race sets up a potential matchup between the parties’ best-known figures in a state where Democrats see a chance to gain a seat in their uphill quest for a Senate majority. Mills was the top choice of national Democrats to try to unseat Collins, who has held the seat since 1997. Mills was urged to run by party leaders including Sen. Chuck Schumer, the minority leader. A Collins spokesperson declines to comment.