Gov. Janet Mills stepped back into the public eye as two Democrats seeking to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins launched petition drives to qualify for Maine’s June primary ballot, marking the early maneuvering in the 2026 U.S. Senate race.
Mills and fellow Democrat Graham Platner are circulating nomination petitions to secure placement on the Democratic primary ballot. Both campaigns are working to gather the required number of valid signatures ahead of the deadline.
The governor, who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection, appeared at a campaign event in Biddeford, where volunteers assisted with her petition effort. Platner’s campaign has also deployed volunteers across the state to collect signatures needed to qualify for the primary.
The Democratic nominee will go on to face Collins, a five-term incumbent, in the November 2026 general election.
First Public Appearance as Gateway Scandal Intensifies
Mills’ appearance on the campaign trail marked her first public event since scrutiny surrounding Gateway Community Services has intensified, drawing growing attention from lawmakers and the public.
Despite the escalating controversy, Mills has not made any public comment addressing the Gateway Communities scandal. Her continued silence comes as questions persist and pressure mounts for answers from state leadership, even as her U.S. Senate campaign begins to take shape.
