Maine Gov. Mills to challenge Sen. Collins in 2026 Senate race, sources say

Maine Governor Janet Mills will run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Susan Collins in 2026, setting up a high-profile contest in a key battleground state where Democrats aim to gain a Senate seat. Mills, a prominent Democrat and Maine's first female governor, was encouraged by party leaders to challenge Collins, a moderate Republican who has held the seat since 1997. The race is part of Democrats' broader strategy to flip Senate seats in states carried by Democrats in recent elections.