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Gov. Janet Mills had no plans to run against U.S. Sen. Susan Collins until her February exchange with President Donald Trump at the White House, she said in an interview.

The Democrat announced her 2026 campaign Tuesday, landing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York one of his top recruits. Before a heavyweight battle with Collins, the 77-year-old faces a primary with candidates that include the upstart Graham Platner, who has gained momentum while making her more centrist ideology an issue.

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