Maine Senate Race: Democrats Spend Big While Collins Stockpiles Cash

Incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins has over $8 million on hand, while Democratic candidates Janet Mills and Graham Platner have spent over half of what they've raised.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 11:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The race for Maine's U.S. Senate seat is heating up, with Democratic candidates Gov. Janet Mills and political newcomer Graham Platner spending heavily in their primary battle, while Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins maintains a significant cash advantage. Collins has over $8 million on hand, while Mills and Platner have each spent more than 50% of what they've raised so far. Platner, endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, has a cash edge over Mills but has spent heavily on out-of-state consultants. Mills is getting support from Democratic senators and governors, but both candidates are burning through funds in the competitive primary.

Why it matters

The Maine Senate race is viewed as a prime pickup opportunity for Democrats as they look to expand their majority. However, the competitive primary between Mills and Platner is forcing them to spend heavily, while Collins maintains a strong financial position heading into the general election. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate.

The details

Campaign finance reports show that Democratic frontrunners Platner and Mills have each spent more than half of what they've raised, while Republican incumbent Collins is not burning through cash at the same rate. Platner, a 41-year-old combat veteran and oyster farmer, has a cash advantage over the 78-year-old Mills, but has spent heavily on out-of-state consultants. Mills is getting support from Democratic senators and governors, but both candidates are spending heavily in the primary. Collins, 73, has over $8 million in cash and is likely to avoid a competitive primary.

  • Platner jumped into the race in late August 2025.
  • Platner's campaign conducted a poll in December 2025 that showed him up by 15 points over Mills.

The players

Graham Platner

A 41-year-old combat veteran and oyster farmer, Platner is a political newcomer endorsed by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

Janet Mills

The 78-year-old two-term Democratic governor of Maine, Mills is the choice of the political establishment.

Susan Collins

The 73-year-old Republican incumbent U.S. Senator from Maine, Collins has over $8 million in cash on hand and is likely to avoid a competitive primary.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.