Oct 9, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Bernie Sanders urges Janet Mills away from Maine Senate race

Stephen Neukam

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) arrives for a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on September 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. — Sen. Bernie Sanders on Sept. 17 in Washington. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Thursday suggested Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills should reconsider her imminent plans to announce a Senate bid — to avoid "wasting millions on an unnecessary & divisive primary."

Instead, Sanders urged Democrats to coalesce around progressive Graham Platner, a rising star on the party's left.

Why it matters: Democrats are barreling toward an explosive primary in Maine, which is shaping up to be a high-profile showdown between the party's leadership and its left flank.

"Graham Platner is a great working class candidate for Senate in Maine who will defeat Susan Collins," Sanders posted on X on Thursday. "We need to focus on winning that seat and not waste millions on an unnecessary and divisive primary."
Mills plans to announce her Senate bid as soon as next week, Axios scooped earlier this week.
But Platner, who launched his campaign over the summer and has raised over $3 million, has built grassroots momentum with Sanders' backing.

What they're saying: "It's disappointing that some Democratic leaders are urging Governor Mills to run," Sanders said on X.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has encouraged Mills to run for the chamber for months. Her statewide name recognition and two gubernatorial victories make hers an attractive resume for party leaders.
Two other Democrats are also in the race: Dan Kleban, the owner of the Maine Beer company, and Jordan Wood, a former congressional staffer.
Democrats are trying to knock off longtime Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) next year, their top target on the Senate map.

Go deeper: Scoop: Mills poised to jump into Maine Senate race

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Bernie Sanders urges Janet Mills away from Maine Senate race

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