CIVPAC endorses Janet Mills in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Maine.
Mills offers experience, institutional seriousness, and practical governing judgment. Graham Platner has generated significant grassroots enthusiasm, but his progressive-populist positioning and recent controversies raise concerns about his ability to build the broad coalition needed to defeat Senator Susan Collins in November.
This endorsement is also shaped by the broader stakes of the 2026 Senate election. Senator Susan Collins remains one of the more moderate Republicans in the Senate, and CIVPAC recognizes her long record of independence on some issues. However, continued Republican control of the Senate during the Trump presidency raises serious institutional concerns. For that reason, CIVPAC believes Maine voters deserve a responsible Democratic alternative.
Graham Platner has generated significant grassroots enthusiasm, but his candidacy raises concerns about ideology, experience, judgment, and recent personal controversies. He is running from the progressive-populist wing of the Democratic Party, with support from figures such as Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Ro Khanna, and the Working Families Party. His agenda and political style may appeal to many Democratic primary voters, but they are poorly matched to the general-election coalition needed to defeat Senator Collins. Maine Democrats will need support from independents, centrists, and some disaffected Republicans. CIVPAC does not believe Platner is well positioned to build that coalition.
Governor Mills has suspended active campaigning, but she remains on the ballot. CIVPAC’s endorsement is therefore a statement of principle as well as a recommendation to Maine Democratic primary voters: the party should nominate the candidate best prepared to govern responsibly and compete credibly in November.
CIVPAC will reassess the general election after the Democratic primary.
We welcome your feedback on this endorsement. Please include the candidate or race you are commenting on. Send us your thoughts here.