Janet Mills, 78, and Graham Platner, 41, represent a generational and ideological split in Maine’s Democratic primary to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Mills emphasizes governing experience and pledges to serve one term; Platner appeals to progressive voters with bold positions on impeachment, immigration and health care. The June 9 primary winner will face a well-funded general election—Republican allies plan to spend at least $42 million to defend Collins. Debates over electability, past controversies and the value of seniority are central to the race.
Generational Rift in Maine Democrats Shapes High-Stakes Senate Race Against Susan Collins
Maine Gov. Janet Mills attends an event in Augusta, Maine, in March 2022. - Robert F. Bukaty/AP
Gov. Janet Mills and political newcomer Graham Platner have turned Maine’s Democratic primary into a test of experience versus insurgent energy — and the winner will face a well-funded fight against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in November.
The Candidates
Janet Mills, 78, is running on decades of governing experience, arguing she can deliver results for Maine and pledging to serve only one six-year Senate term if elected. Mills stresses her record as a two-term governor and presents herself as the most tested candidate to oust Collins.
Graham Platner, 41, an oyster farmer and political newcomer, has energized many progressive voters with large town halls and bold policy proposals. Backed publicly by independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, Platner emphasizes generational change and a more confrontational approach in Washington.
Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks at a town hall in Ogunquit, Maine, in October 2025. - Caleb Jones/AP
Policy Fault Lines
The two Democrats differ sharply on tactics and policy. Platner supports aggressive moves to the left: he has said former President Donald Trump should "absolutely" be impeached and convicted if Democrats regain control of Congress, argued that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be abolished, and advocated funding expanded health coverage with tax increases on the wealthy.
Mills rejects abolition of ICE and prefers a reformed, humane immigration system with appropriate enforcement. She calls Platner’s approach "too simplistic" on some proposals, and stresses gradual, pragmatic strategies such as oversight, hearings and coalition-building.
Controversies and Vulnerabilities
Platner has faced scrutiny over past social-media posts and an old chest tattoo with imagery that raised concerns; he has apologized, said the remarks reflected a different time in his life after military service, and has covered the tattoo. Mills argues those controversies could be liabilities in a general election and frames experience as a safer bet against Republican attacks.
Sen. Susan Collins speaks with a reporter outside of the Senate Chambers during a vote at the US Capitol on June 20, 2024. - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Collins, 73, is a long-serving Republican incumbent known for swing votes and bipartisan posturing. She has survived numerous tough races and benefits from national GOP investment: the Senate Leadership Fund plans to spend at least $42 million to defend her seat, making Maine a national target.
Seniority Versus Change
Mills’ pledge to serve only one term has heightened debate about seniority. Critics say a one-term senator cannot build the committee influence needed to deliver for Maine; Mills counters that effectiveness matters more than tenure and that experience will let her quickly wield influence.
The Road Ahead
Polling is limited ahead of the June 9 Democratic primary. Platner has held dozens of town halls and attracted large crowds; Mills has favored smaller, focused roundtables. Whoever wins the primary must pivot immediately to a difficult general-election fight against Collins and substantial Republican spending.
“The times are too urgent, too dangerous not to send the best person we have, the most tested candidate,” Mills has said. Platner replies that his energy and willingness to use political power represent the change many voters want.
Reporting contributions noted in the original article: CNN’s Jenna Monnin and Casey Riddle.
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