Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills is interviewing staff for a potential Senate bid, a person familiar with the process confirmed on Wednesday. The news was first reported by Punchbowl.
The interviews come as Mills is “seriously considering” a run against longtime GOP Sen. Susan Collins and will have a decision by November, according to local news reports.
Maine is a top offensive target for Senate Democrats this cycle, the only one in a state that former Vice President Kamala Harris won in November. And many Democrats point to Collins’ declining popularity in the polls as proof that she’s vulnerable, even if those in the state think she would be difficult to beat thanks to her strong independent political brand.
Mills, who is 77 and term-limited as governor, would join a growing Democratic primary field. So far, oyster farmer Graham Platner, Maine Beer Company owner Dan Kleban and former chief of staff to Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), Jordan Wood, have already entered the race.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has worked to recruit Mills in the race, citing her track record of winning statewide.
