The likely Tuesday entrance of Gov. Janet Mills into the 2026 race against U.S. Sen. Susan Collins will instantly upend a primary contest that will also serve as a referendum over the future of the Democratic Party.

Mills, 77, is a former attorney general whose centrist views and use of her veto pen have put her at odds with Democratic state lawmakers who control Augusta on numerous issues. She contrasts with insurgent candidate Graham Platner , a 41-year-old Sullivan oysterman and military veteran who has drawn large crowds, received an endorsement from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, and raised more than $4 million since his August campaign launch.

Age and ideology are important parts of the high-stakes battle over which candidate Maine Democrats will pick to face Colli

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