Full Breakdown
Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey Endorses Governor Janet Mills for U.S. Senate
12/19/2025, 11:58:34 PM
Endorsement and Political Context
Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey has publicly endorsed Governor Janet Mills in her campaign for the open U.S. Senate seat, aiming to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins in the 2026 election. Frey characterized Mills as the leader Maine needs in Congress, emphasizing her commitment to countering what he described as overreach by former President Donald Trump’s administration. He stated, “At a time when our democracy is in such serious danger and Donald Trump is hurting Maine people every day, I can think of no better leader than Governor Mills to stand up to the President and to fight for our state.”
Mills' Campaign and Support
Mills expressed gratitude for Frey's endorsement, highlighting their collaborative efforts to protect Maine residents from perceived federal attacks. She noted, “Together, we have stood up for and protected Maine people from his attacks on our state,” indicating a strong partnership in their political endeavors. Frey’s endorsement adds to a growing coalition of support for Mills, which includes endorsements from Democratic governors such as Maura Healey of Massachusetts, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, and Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico. Additionally, national organizations like Reproductive Freedom for All and EMILY’s List have also backed Mills.
Competitive Democratic Primary
Mills is expected to face a competitive primary within the Democratic Party, notably against Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and military veteran who is running for office for the first time. A recent Pan Atlantic Research poll indicated that Mills is leading Platner among likely Democratic primary voters, with 47% support compared to Platner's 37%. The poll also revealed that undecided voters constitute a significant portion of the electorate. Both candidates are anticipated to engage in close races against Collins in hypothetical general election matchups.
Criticism and Opposition
While Mills has garnered significant support, the competitive nature of the Democratic primary suggests that not all party members may align with her candidacy. Critics may argue that the presence of multiple candidates could dilute the party's chances against Collins, emphasizing the need for a unified front to challenge the long-serving senator.
What's Next
As the campaign progresses, Mills and Platner will likely intensify their efforts to secure the Democratic nomination, with the primary election set to be a pivotal moment in determining who will challenge Collins in the general election. The dynamics of the race will continue to evolve as endorsements and voter sentiments shift leading up to the election.
