Maine Governor Janet Mills is running for Senate, advocating for filibuster reform that echoes President Trump’s proposals, as she seeks to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Maine Governor Janet Mills, a prominent Democratic contender for the Senate, is drawing inspiration from President Donald Trump and conservative strategies in her campaign platform. Mills, who aims to unseat longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins, has recently unveiled her policy proposals, which include a call for significant reform of the filibuster.
In her 19-page policy document, Mills asserts that if elected, she would mandate that senators remain on the Senate floor and actively engage in debate rather than merely threatening a filibuster to stall legislative action. This approach to the filibuster has gained traction among Democrats and is also being championed by Trump and some Republicans who are advocating for a talking filibuster to facilitate the passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act.
The filibuster has emerged as a contentious issue in the Senate, particularly for Republicans, as its current 60-vote threshold necessitates bipartisan support for legislation. Mills’ stance on reforming the filibuster aligns with a broader Democratic strategy, while simultaneously resonating with some of Trump’s recent calls for reform.
“Washington is broken, and Maine people are paying the price,” Mills stated while introducing her platform. “Donald Trump and Washington Republicans are undermining our fundamental rights and driving up costs, all while Congress fails to solve the big problems facing Maine people. Enough is enough. Maine people deserve better than what D.C. is giving them.”
Mills’ relationship with Trump has been adversarial, reaching a peak in 2025 during a White House meeting of governors. At that time, she famously declared, “We’ll see you in court,” in response to Trump’s executive order aimed at denying federal funding to states permitting transgender athletes to compete in sports.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), which serves as the Senate GOP’s primary campaign organization, has criticized Mills’ proposed changes to the filibuster. They argue that her position signals a broader Democratic agenda aimed at obstructing Trump’s initiatives. “Janet Mills is saying the quiet part out loud: If she goes to Washington, she will use every tool at her disposal to push her radical anti-Trump agenda on Americans,” NRSC spokesperson Samantha Cantrell told Fox News Digital.
Trump has suggested that Republicans should consider eliminating the filibuster entirely, a move that appears unlikely given the current Senate dynamics and lack of consensus on such a drastic step.
Mills’ advocacy for a talking filibuster would require senators to engage in active debate on legislation, a departure from the traditional reliance on the 60-vote threshold. Presently, the Senate is experiencing a form of talking filibuster as Republicans attempt to highlight Senate Democrats’ opposition to the SAVE America Act. However, the GOP remains divided, which may hinder their ability to effectively block Democratic amendments that could significantly alter the bill.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York who has endorsed Mills’ candidacy against Collins, has referred to the SAVE America Act as “Jim Crow 2.0,” rallying his party to oppose the legislation.
Before Mills can face Collins in the general election, she must first navigate a challenging primary against Graham Platner, an oyster farmer who has garnered support from the left wing of the Democratic Party.
As the campaign progresses, the dynamics surrounding the filibuster and broader legislative strategies will likely continue to evolve, shaping the political landscape in Maine and beyond.
Fox News Digital reached out for comments from Mills, Platner, and Collins but did not receive a response by publication.