Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner achieved a remarkable fundraising milestone by raising $4.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, surpassing Maine Governor Janet Mills, who brought in $2.7 million during the same timeframe. This impressive financial performance highlights the competitive nature of the Democratic primary as both candidates prepare to challenge five-term incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Platner’s momentum stems from his ability to raise a total of $3.2 million by the end of September 2025, despite having only joined the race in August. His campaign manager, Ben Chin, expressed confidence in Platner’s appeal, stating that his ability to outpace established political figures like Mills speaks volumes about the grassroots support he has cultivated. “This is a campaign powered by the people to build a movement to beat Susan Collins and deliver for working people,” Chin noted.
Despite being a newcomer with no prior statewide political experience, Platner’s grassroots fundraising efforts are a strong indication of his appeal in Maine. Meanwhile, Mills’s campaign manager Chelsea Brossard asserted that Mills, a seasoned politician and former prosecutor, is well-positioned to unseat Collins, given her extensive outreach across Maine. Brossard emphasized that voters are fatigued by Collins’s perceived inaction, asserting that Mills has a strong commitment to fighting for Maine residents.
On the other side, Senator Collins reported raising $2.2 million from October to December 2025, contributing to a total of $10.4 million since her campaign began. Collins’s finance director, Amy Abbott, highlighted the broad support she has received, not only from all 16 counties in Maine but from all 50 states, indicating her solid financial footing as the campaign heats up.
In addition to individual contributions, the candidates are poised to receive substantial backing from super PACs. The Senate Leadership Fund, for instance, recently announced a $42 million investment to support Collins, signaling that the race will be closely watched and highly funded.
As the Democratic primary unfolds between the experienced Mills and the less traditional candidate Platner, the dynamics reflect broader conversations about the direction of the Democratic Party in the wake of future elections. Collins, sitting in a powerful Senate position since 1996, faces an evolving political landscape, characterized by dwindling popularity. In her last election in 2020, she won by a narrow margin against a leading challenger, highlighting the competitive nature of Maine politics and the electorate’s potential for change. The fundraising race indicates that both Platner and Mills are serious contenders, setting the stage for an engaging and significant political battle ahead.