Janet Mills holds campaign event with high-powered Washington lobbyists

The U.S. Senate candidate met with top Democrats at a lobbying firm that has drawn big business under President Donald Trump.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Gov. Janet Mills joined high-powered Democratic lobbyists at a campaign meet-and-greet event in Washington, a day before she reversed herself to attend a White House meeting. The event was hosted by 10 lobbyists, including higher-ups at BGR Group, a powerful Washington firm with deep ties to both Democrats and Republicans.

Why it matters

This event highlights Mills' status as Washington Democrats' preferred candidate to take on incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in one of the biggest Senate races this year. However, progressive Democratic primary candidate Graham Platner has also gained traction, throwing the nominating race into uncertainty.

The details

The Thursday campaign event was scheduled around an official trip to Washington for the winter meeting of the National Governors Association, which kicked off that day and was highlighted by a politically delicate White House breakfast with President Donald Trump on Friday. BGR Group, the lobbying firm hosting the event, reported $71.5 million in lobbying payments last year, a 58% increase over the preceding year, and has drawn attention for representing foreign governments and having a large swath of clients in the banking and tech industries.

  • The event took place on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • Mills is scheduled to attend a White House meeting on Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Janet Mills

The Democratic governor of Maine and a U.S. Senate candidate.

Susan Collins

The incumbent Republican U.S. Senator from Maine, who is running for re-election.

Graham Platner

A progressive Democratic primary candidate challenging Mills for the U.S. Senate nomination.

BGR Group

A powerful Washington lobbying firm with deep ties to both Democrats and Republicans, hosting the event for Mills.

Donald Trump

The Republican President of the United States.

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What’s next

Mills is scheduled to attend a White House meeting on Friday, February 21, 2026, the day after the campaign event with Washington lobbyists.

The takeaway

The high-powered Democratic lobbyists hosting a campaign event for Janet Mills underscores her status as the preferred Senate candidate of the Washington establishment, even as progressive challenger Graham Platner has gained momentum. This race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched Senate contests of the 2026 election cycle.