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Saco Today
By the People, for the People
Janet Mills Poised to Defeat Susan Collins in Maine Senate Race
Longtime progressive governor seen as best choice to unseat veteran Republican senator.
Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:39pm
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The Maine State House, a symbol of the state's political history, sets the stage for a pivotal Senate race that could reshape the national political landscape.Saco TodayIn a letter to the editor, a Maine voter argues that Janet Mills, the state's current Democratic governor, is the ideal candidate to defeat long-serving Republican Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming election. The voter cites Mills' strong progressive record and willingness to stand up to former President Trump, in contrast to concerns about the character and background of an unnamed challenger candidate.
Why it matters
The Maine Senate race is expected to be a key battleground in the 2026 election, with the potential to shift the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. The outcome could have significant implications for the legislative agenda of the next administration.
The details
The letter writer expresses caution about supporting a candidate with "no legislative history" and a concerning personal background, an apparent reference to a different Democratic challenger. In contrast, the writer praises Mills' record, including her efforts to strengthen family leave protections and her confrontation of the Trump administration. The letter argues that electing Mills would "bring back decency" while avoiding the sacrifice of progressive values.
- The Maine Senate election is scheduled for November 2026.
The players
Janet Mills
The current Democratic governor of Maine, who is seen as the best choice to defeat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Susan Collins
The long-serving Republican senator from Maine who is facing a tough re-election battle.
Graham Platner
An unnamed Democratic challenger candidate whose background and character the letter writer expresses concerns about.
What they’re saying
“We owe it to our state and our country to defeat Susan Collins this fall, but be wary of the potential costs of doing so.”
— Deb Sayer, Maine Voter
“Janet Mills has a long record of progressive accomplishments, including strengthening Family and Medical Leave Act protections, and she famously stood up to Donald Trump at a time when many sought to appease him.”
— Deb Sayer, Maine Voter
What’s next
The Maine Senate election is scheduled for November 2026, and the outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
The takeaway
This letter highlights the importance of choosing a candidate with a strong progressive record and proven character, rather than an untested challenger, in the critical Maine Senate race. The writer argues that electing Governor Janet Mills would "bring back decency" while maintaining the state's and the country's shared progressive values.
