The 2026 United States Senate election in Maine is shaping up to be a competitive race, with incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins seeking a sixth term.
Several Democrats have either announced their candidacy or are being considered as potential candidates. Below is a list of potential Democratic candidates based on available information as of August 1, 2025.
### Declared Democratic Candidates
– **Jordan Wood**: Former Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative Katie Porter (D-CA). Wood, a Lewiston native, announced his campaign in 2025, emphasizing progressive policies. He has gained attention for his refusal to accept PAC or lobbyist funds, as noted in posts on X.[](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_Senate_election_in_Maine)
– **Ryan Fecteau**: Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives (2020–2022, 2024–present) and representative from the 132nd district (2014–2022, 2024–present). Fecteau confirmed his interest in running against Collins, as reported by Maine Public and posts on X. He is seen as a rising star in Maine Democratic politics.[](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_Senate_election_in_Maine)
– **David Costello**: 2024 Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate against Angus King. Costello, born in Bangor and raised in Old Town, has extensive government experience, including roles with the U.S. Agency for International Development in conflict zones like Cambodia and Bosnia. He announced his 2026 bid to challenge Collins, citing his experience managing multi-million-dollar programs.[](https://www.costelloforsenate.com/)
– **Tucker Favreau**: Brunswick native and West Point graduate with a military background in field artillery. Favreau has filed to run, focusing on reducing the cost of living in Maine, particularly housing, electric bills, and taxes. His campaign emphasizes basic human rights and affordability.[](https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_Senate_election_in_Maine%2C_2026)
### Potential Democratic Candidates
– **Janet Mills**: Governor of Maine (2019–present). Mills, who is term-limited as governor, has signaled openness to a Senate run against Collins, according to Maine Democratic operatives and multiple posts on X. A University of New Hampshire “Pine Tree State Poll” indicated 47% favorability for Mills as a challenger to Collins, though 71% of respondents (including 84% of Democrats) believe Collins does not deserve re-election. Mills, at 78, remains a popular figure but has not formally announced her intentions.[](https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-candidates-2026-governor-senate-congress/64715836)
– **Aaron Frey**: Maine Attorney General (2019–present). Frey has been mentioned as considering a Senate run, as noted in posts on X, but has not publicly confirmed his intentions.
– **Chellie Pingree**: U.S. Representative for Maine’s 1st Congressional District (2009–present). While Pingree has not announced a Senate bid, her name has surfaced in speculation due to her long tenure and prominence in Maine politics. She previously ran against Collins for Senate in 2002, losing by a significant margin.[](https://ballotpedia.org/List_of_United_States_Senators_from_Maine)
– **Sara Gideon**: Former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives (2016–2020) and 2020 Democratic Senate nominee against Collins. Despite losing to Collins by 8.6% in 2020, Gideon’s strong fundraising and name recognition make her a potential candidate, though she has not confirmed interest in running again.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_United_States_Senate_election_in_Maine)%5B%5D(https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_Senate_election_in_Maine%2C_2020)
### Notes – **Context**: Maine is considered a key battleground in 2026, as it is the only Republican-held Senate seat up for election in a state won by Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election (by about 6.9%). Collins’ moderate stance and history of overperforming in a blue-leaning state make her a formidable incumbent, but the decline in ticket-splitting and a midterm election under a Republican president increase her vulnerability.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_Senate_election_in_Maine)[](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_Senate_election_in_Maine)[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_Senate_elections)
– **Other Considerations**: High-profile Democrats like Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, and former Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree are running for governor instead of the Senate, reducing the pool of potential Senate candidates. U.S. Representative Jared Golden, who represents Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, opted to seek re-election to his House seat rather than run for Senate or governor.[](https://19thnews.org/2025/07/maine-senate-primaries-2026/) –
**Polling and Sentiment**: Early polls, such as the University of New Hampshire survey, suggest significant opposition to Collins’ re-election, with Democrats like Mills polling favorably. Posts on X reflect enthusiasm for Mills as a strong contender to flip the seat.[](https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-candidates-2026-governor-senate-congress/64715836)
– **Crowded Field**: The Democratic primary, set for June 9, 2026, could see additional candidates emerge, given the seat’s strategic importance for Democrats aiming to regain Senate control (Republicans currently hold a 53–47 majority).[](https://19thnews.org/2025/07/maine-senate-primaries-2026/)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_Senate_elections
### Sources Information is drawn from Wikipedia, Ballotpedia, Bangor Daily News, Portland Press Herald, Maine Public, and posts on X for current sentiment. For the latest updates, check official sources like the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices (www.maine.gov/ethics) or campaign finance filings at http://www.mainecampaignfinance.com.
This list is current as of August 1, 2025, and may change as more candidates announce or withdraw. For real-time developments, monitor Maine news outlets or official election resources.
