Maine Gov. Janet Mills launches Senate bid
Maine Gov. Janet Mills announced Oct. 14 she will run to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in 2026, entering a crowded Democratic primary after a high-profile clash with President Trump over transgender athletes. Mills emphasized her record on Medicaid expansion, school funding, abortion access, and free school meals, while progressive contender Graham Platner—endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders—criticized party leaders for backing Mills and warned against a divisive primary.
Elections
Politics
📌 Key Facts
- Announcement date: Oct. 14, 2025; race targets Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).
- Progressive Graham Platner has Sen. Bernie Sanders’ endorsement; Sanders publicly opposed party pressure for Mills to run.
- Mills highlights record on Medicaid expansion, education funding, abortion access, and universal school meals; cites clash with Trump over transgender athletes.
📚 Contextual Background
- Medicaid spending is typically one of the largest components of U.S. state budgets.