Maine Brewery Owner Joins Democratic Senate Race Against Collins

Dan Kleban, co-founder of Maine Beer Company, has officially entered the crowded Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine's 2026 election. Kleban, a political newcomer, emphasizes cost-of-living issues and critiques Collins for being out of touch with average Mainers, asserting she has not done enough to alleviate economic pressures. The Democratic primary already includes candidates such as oyster farmer and former Marine Graham Platner, former congressional aide Jordan Wood, and potentially Gov. Janet Mills, who is considering a run and is viewed as the favored candidate by many national Democrats. Kleban has not committed to continuing his campaign if Mills enters the race, while other candidates have pledged to run regardless. Collins, a five-term senator known for her bipartisan appeal, has yet to announce her re-election bid but is considered vulnerable due to shifting political dynamics in Maine, a state that voted for President Kamala Harris last year. The race is seen as critical for Democrats aiming to gain control of the Senate in 2026.