{"id":2498641,"date":"2025-10-14T08:08:01","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T12:08:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/janet-mills-challenges-susan-collins-for-senate-seat-boosting-dem-hopes\/"},"modified":"2025-10-14T08:10:36","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T12:10:36","slug":"janet-mills-challenges-susan-collins-for-senate-seat-boosting-dem-hopes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/janet-mills-challenges-susan-collins-for-senate-seat-boosting-dem-hopes\/","title":{"rendered":"Janet Mills challenges Susan Collins for Senate seat, boosting Dem hopes"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">22<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fjanet-mills-challenges-susan-collins-for-senate-seat-boosting-dem-hopes%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2498641&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Maine Governor Janet Mills (D) has officially launched her campaign to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming Senate race. Mills, currently serving her second consecutive term as governor and unable to run again due to term limits, is viewed by Democrats as their strongest candidate to unseat Collins, one of the Senate&#8217;s most centrist Republicans. Mills criticized Collins&#8217; support for former president Trump&#8217;s policies, including healthcare rollbacks and tax cuts benefiting corporations, and positioned herself as a fighter for Maine residents.<\/p>\n<p>Senate Democrats see Collins as vulnerable because she is the only <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/hollywood-celebs-rage-in-defeat-after-barrett-confirmation-revolting-disgraceful-unconscionable\/\" title=\"Hollywood Celebs Rage in Defeat After Barrett Confirmation: &#039;Revolting. Disgraceful. Unconscionable&#039;\">republican senator<\/a> in a state that leans Democratic in recent elections. However,Collins remains a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >formidable candidate wiht strong fundraising<\/a> and a reputation for bipartisanship. Mills has strong backing from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and national Democrats, making her the frontrunner against a field that includes several political newcomers.<\/p>\n<p>Mills&#8217; candidacy also triggers a generational contest within the Democratic primary, as she woudl become the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/janet-mills-looming-maine-senate-run-causes-party-clash\/\" title=\"...\u2019 looming Maine Senate ... causes party clash\">oldest freshman senator<\/a> in history if elected at age 79. Republicans have tried to exploit this and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/brad-raffensperger-announces-run-for-georgia-governor\/\" title=\"Brad Raffensperger announces ... for Georgia ...\">intra-party divisions<\/a> to support Collins, highlighting concerns about Mills&#8217; age and record as governor. Despite this, Mills emphasizes her readiness and determination to win, aiming to bring change to Maine&#8217;s representation in the Senate.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Maine Gov. Janet Mills launches Senate challenge to Susan Collins, giving Democrats a prized recruit<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2219118\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>Gov. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate-news\/3391573\/janet-mills-senate-no-plans-maine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Janet Mills<\/a> (D-ME) launched her campaign Tuesday for next year&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/maine\/page\/53\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Maine <\/a>Senate race, presenting what Democrats believe will be incumbent Sen. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/susan-collins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Susan Collins<\/a>&lsquo;s (R-ME) toughest opponent.<\/p>\n<p>The term-limited Mills, who is serving her second consecutive term as governor, boosts Democrats&rsquo; longtime hopes of picking off one of the Senate&rsquo;s most centrist Republicans in the battleground seat.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/3848859\/janet-mills-maine-senate-run-generational-clash-democrats\/\">Janet Mills&rsquo; looming Maine Senate run sets up generational clash among Democrats<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/3849006\/john-bel-edwards-louisiana-senate\/\">Ex-Louisiana Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards says he won&#8217;t run for Senate<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/3848661\/witkoff-fundraiser-kentucky-senate-nate-morris\/\">Witkoff family to host fundraiser for Nate Morris, Ramaswamy to speak<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve never backed down from a bully, and I never will,&rdquo; Mills said in <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/JanetMillsforME\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">her launch video,<\/a> which focused heavily on President Donald Trump. &ldquo;Honestly, if this President and this Congress were doing things that were even remotely acceptable, I wouldn&rsquo;t be running for the U.S. Senate. But when Trump rips away healthcare from millions of Americans and drives up costs on everything from groceries to housing to trucks and cars, then turns around and gives corporate CEOs a massive tax cut &ndash; and Susan Collins helps them do it after she helped him overturn Roe v. Wade &ndash; I hear my father&rsquo;s voice saying, &lsquo;Fight back. Janet.&#8217;&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>As the only GOP senator serving in a state won by former Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Democrats see Collins as the most vulnerable incumbent seeking reelection in the party&rsquo;s quest to overcome an unfavorable midterm map and retake the majority.<\/p>\n<p>But Collins has for decades fought off Republican and Democratic challengers, proving to be a formidable opponent as one of the most centrist and bipartisan members of the Senate. Her second-quarter campaign filings showed a steady stream of money from supporters, raising $2.4 million in the three-month period that ended with June and had $5.25 million cash on hand.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">FILE &ndash; Democratic Gov. Janet Mills delivers her State of the State address, Jan. 30, 2024, at the State House in Augusta, Maine. (AP Photo\/Robert F. Bukaty, File)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&ldquo;I won&rsquo;t sit idly by while Maine people suffer, and politicians like Susan Collins bend a knee as if this were normal,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;My life&rsquo;s work has prepared me for this fight, and I&rsquo;m ready to win this election will be a simple choice.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Mills, a top recruit of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), is unable to seek a third consecutive term under Maine law but could seek a third nonconsecutive term in 2030. <\/p>\n<p>She joins an already crowded field of other Democratic Senate hopefuls who are mostly political newcomers, including brewer Dan Kleban, oysterman Graham Platner, and former congressional aide Jordan Wood. Platner is endorsed by progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).<\/p>\n<p>But with the support of Schumer and other national Democrats, as well as her political stature, Mills is considered the de facto frontrunner whose election and political experience buoy her party&rsquo;s hopes to unseat Collins.<\/p>\n<p>Mills <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/3846563\/maine-governor-janet-mills-announces-run-for-senate-but-took-down-campaign-post\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">preemptively announced her campaign<\/a>&nbsp;last week before deleting a launch video and donation link that were posted. Currently 77 years old, she would be 79 when sworn in, marking the oldest freshman senator in U.S. history. Mills&rsquo;s candidacy also tees up a generational clash in the party against several younger political newcomers vying for the nomination. <\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/3789414\/democrats-target-susan-collins-stock-trading-ban\/\">DEMOCRATS TARGET SUSAN COLLINS OVER CONGRESSIONAL STOCK TRADING BAN IN NEW AD<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Republicans sought to capitalize on what could be a messy primary, as well as Mills&rsquo;s age, in their counter messaging.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Maine Democrats are locked in a bruising fight between Chuck Schumer&rsquo;s out-of-touch<br \/>establishment and Bernie Sanders&rsquo; far-left radicals,&rdquo;&nbsp;said Joanna Rodriguez, the communications director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. &ldquo;Janet Mills wants to be the oldest freshman senator in American history after a record of failure that turned Maine into one of the weakest economies in New England. No matter which Democrat emerges, we&rsquo;re confident Mainers will continue to trust independent problem solver Susan Collins to keep delivering for them.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Maine Gov. Janet Mills enters Senate race against Collins<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3108,"featured_media":2498642,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AP25254600003282.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[33399,32923,54091,34723,34870],"class_list":["post-2498641","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-2024-elections","tag-democratic-party","tag-janet-mills","tag-senate-race","tag-susan-collins"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AP25254600003282.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2498641","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3108"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2498641"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2498641\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2498646,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2498641\/revisions\/2498646"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2498642"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2498641"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2498641"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2498641"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}