2026 U.S. Senate election in Maine
Maine’s 2026 U.S. Senate race is for an open-seat-style general election contest in which Republican incumbent Susan Collins seeks another term against a Democratic field led by Gov. Janet Mills and Graham Platner. The race matters because Collins is one of the GOP’s most durable incumbents in a state that often splits tickets, making Maine a top Democratic pickup target. Democrats are weighing a more established statewide figure in Mills against Platner, a newer candidate who has drawn strong early primary and general-election interest. The general election is likely to hinge on Collins’s long record and crossover appeal versus Democrats’ argument that the state is ready for change.
Candidates
Susan Collins
Susan Collins is the senior Republican U.S. senator from Maine and has served in the Senate since 1997. She announced a bid for reelection in 2026 and said that, if elected, the next term would be her last.
Janet T. Mills is the Democratic governor of Maine and a former state attorney general and state legislator. She is running for the U.S. Senate in 2026 and has centered her campaign on affordability, health care, and opposition to Donald Trump and Susan Collins.
Graham Platner is a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, where he is running in the 2026 primary. He is an oyster farmer and military veteran, and his campaign has emphasized economic populism, health care, and opposition to corporate influence in politics.
Jordan Wood is a Maine Democrat from Lewiston who is running for Congress in Maine after previously campaigning for the U.S. Senate. His campaign says he has focused on democracy reform, consumer protection, and anti-corruption efforts, and he has also emphasized affordability, healthcare access, and reproductive rights.
Polling
Data Analysis Information
Data compiled from public sources and analyzed using AI. Last updated 5/15/2026. Visit candidate websites for the most current information.