Full Breakdown
Trust and Age: Janet Mills Faces Scrutiny in Maine Senate Race
3/25/2026, 1:19:35 AM
Core Event: Mills' Trustworthiness Questioned Amid Biden Support
Democratic Governor Janet Mills, who is campaigning for the U.S. Senate seat from Maine, has come under scrutiny regarding her trustworthiness after expressing public support for former President Joe Biden while privately advocating for him to withdraw from the race. This duality was highlighted during an interview with MS NOW's Elise Jordan, where Mills laughed when pressed on why voters should trust her judgment.
Background & Context: The Biden Debate and Mills' Position
Following Biden's June 2024 debate performance, Mills publicly defended him, stating that she and other Democratic governors had met with him to discuss his candidacy. However, in a recent interview with The Atlantic, Mills revealed her private concerns about Biden's viability as a candidate, which raised questions about her sincerity and judgment. Mills stated, "We all tried in our own way to convince him that he wasn't up for it," indicating her involvement in discussions aimed at persuading Biden to exit the race.
Key Figures: Janet Mills and Graham Platner
Janet Mills, 78, is running against Graham Platner in the Maine Senate primary. If elected, she would become the oldest freshman senator. Mills has emphasized her fitness for office, asserting her capability to serve despite her age. Platner, on the other hand, has faced controversies related to past social media posts and a tattoo interpreted as a Nazi symbol, which he has since covered up.
Official Statements & Responses: Mills Defends Her Age and Experience
In response to concerns about her age, Mills stated, "I've been governor for seven, almost seven and a half years. I think people know that I'm fit to serve." She acknowledged that age is a consideration but insisted that her experience and current responsibilities demonstrate her capability. Mills also expressed her willingness to share her health information, provided her opponents do the same, stating, "I would share my lipid profile with anybody who wants to say what their cholesterol is."
Criticism & Opposition: Concerns Over Trustworthiness
Critics have pointed out the inconsistency in Mills' public and private statements regarding Biden, questioning her reliability as a candidate. MS NOW's Elise Jordan challenged Mills directly, asking, "So why should voters trust your judgment now when you had one opinion privately that was very impactful on the fate of our country?" This line of questioning reflects broader concerns among voters about Mills' ability to be transparent and trustworthy.
What's Next: The Primary Election Approaches
As the Maine Senate primary approaches, Mills will need to address these trust issues while continuing her campaign against Platner and incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. The outcome of this primary could significantly impact the Democratic Party's strategy in the upcoming general election.
Verbatim Quotes
- "Listen, I wasn't going to kick the guy when he was down, honestly." — Janet Mills, Governor of Maine
- "I am up for this Senate race in every way possible." — Janet Mills, Governor of Maine
- "Age is a consideration. It's one reason that I'm running for one term and one term only." — Janet Mills, Governor of Maine
- "So why should voters trust your judgment now when you had one opinion privately that was very impactful on the fate of our country?" — Elise Jordan, MS NOW Host
