Maine Governor Mills, 77, Faces Criticism Over Medical Records Ahead 2026 Senate Bid

Maine Governor Janet Mills, 77, is facing criticism for refusing to release her medical records as she runs for the U.S. Senate in 2026, potentially becoming the oldest freshman senator at age 79. Her opponent, incumbent Senator Susan Collins, 74, has also not disclosed her medical records, highlighting growing public scrutiny over the health and age of congressional candidates, with Congress having more members over 70 than at any time since 1950. Democrats are particularly sensitive to the issue following President Joe Biden's faltering 2024 campaign, which raised concerns among liberal voters about backing older candidates. Mills is backed by Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, 74, but younger Democratic primary challengers like military veteran Graham Platner, 41, and progressive activist Jordan Wood, 36, are pressing for generational change and have criticized Mills’s age during the campaign. Despite the controversy, Mills pledges to serve only one term if elected, and her supporters note that Collins and Independent Sen. Angus King, 81, are also advanced in age but remain in office. The debate over age and transparency in health records reflects broader concerns about the fitness of older politicians to serve effectively in Congress.