Trying something new
This is real. This is happening.
Hi, it’s Janet. I’m trying something new by reaching out to share a campaign update with my Substack subscribers.
A new poll just came out showing Susan Collins losing for the first time in 28 years.
28 years. Let that sink in for a moment. Since 1997, Susan Collins has represented Maine in the Senate. Republicans assumed she’d hold it forever. And Collins herself has grown comfortable, confident that Maine voters would keep sending her back to D.C. no matter how often she sided with Trump and corporate interests over our families.
Our campaign is here to say “not anymore.”
The numbers are clear: Maine is ready for change. And honestly? I’ve been feeling it on the ground for weeks now! Whether it be the Maine voters who are eager to flip the state blue, the volunteers stepping up across the state, or the conversations I’m having with people who tell me they’ve never been this engaged in a campaign before.
This is real. This is happening.
Here’s something else worth knowing: I’m the only Maine Democrat to win a statewide election in the last 20 years.
I don’t say that to brag. I say it because it matters. Winning statewide in Maine is no walk in the park. You need to connect with people in every corner of the state, from Portland to Madawaska. You need to earn trust in communities who don’t see eye to eye with you. And you need to show up, listen, and prove you’ll fight for everyone.
That’s exactly what I’ve done as Governor. I’ve shown Maine people that I’ll stand up to bullies – whether it’s Donald Trump threatening our state from the White House or Big Pharma fueling the opioid crisis, I’ve proven I can win tough fights. And now, we have a real shot at doing it again in 2026.
But here’s where it gets serious: election analysts are saying over $100 million could be spent in our race.
No, that’s not a typo. One hundred million dollars. To protect one Senate seat. It sounds crazy, but here’s why it matters…
Donald Trump and Susan Collins are terrified of losing this race, and they should be. If we flip Maine, we’re one step closer to taking back the Senate and stopping Trump’s agenda and Susan’s complicity in it. That’s worth everything to them – and they’ll spend whatever it takes to prevent it.
That’s the reality we’re facing.
We’re in the fight of our lives, and we have a genuine shot at winning – the polls prove it, the energy on the ground proves it. But we’re about to get hit with a tidal wave of attack ads and dark money spending. (I know, I hate the constant political ads as much as you do. But they really do sway a key chunk of voters.)
We’re building something powerful together – something that can take on Donald Trump and Susan Collins, and win.
Let’s show them what Maine is made of.
With gratitude,
Janet