Dem gov [Janet Mills] jumps into key Senate race-where surging progressive [Graham PLatner] awaits

[riversedge]

Well, the deed is done--the race is on.

Dem gov jumps into key Senate race — where surging progressive awaits
https://www.rawstory.com/janet-mills-2674184058/

Julia Conley, Common Dreams October 14, 2025 3:46PM ET

After weeks of speculation and reports that Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was privately calling on Maine Gov. Janet Mills to enter the race to unseat longtime Republican lawmaker Susan Collins—despite considerable energy surrounding the candidacy of progressive veteran and oyster farmer Graham Platner—Mills announced her primary run Tuesday.

Mills highlighted her public sparring with President Donald Trump earlier this year and positioned her run as one that would focus on standing up to “bullies” like Trump, who threatened to cut off Maine’s federal funding if it allowed transgender youths to play on team sports that correspond with their identities.

She also pledged to “fight back” against efforts by Trump and Republicans in Congress—including Collins, who has represented Maine since 1997—to slash healthcare for millions of Americans while handing out tax cuts to corporations and the richest Americans.


“This election is going to be a simple choice: Is Maine going to bow down, or stand up?” said Mills.

But before Mainers decide whether to stick with Collins or unseat her in favor of a Democratic senator, they are set to choose the Democratic nominee next June—and despite being a political novice, Platner has generated excitement across the state since announcing his candidacy in August.

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