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The Maine Democratic primary is now one of the country’s most closely watched gubernatorial races, with four candidates competing in an unexpectedly competitive contest.
Incumbent Governor Janet Mills leads the race, using her name recognition and record from her first term. She highlights her administration’s economic recovery and healthcare expansion as reasons for another term, focusing on stability and experienced leadership.
Graham Platner presents himself as the progressive option, gaining traction with younger voters and grassroots groups. His campaign focuses on climate action, healthcare reform, and economic justice, advocating for bold, transformative policies over incremental change.
Jordan Wood represents the party’s moderate wing, appealing to independents and business-minded Democrats. His platform emphasizes fiscal responsibility, bipartisan cooperation, and pragmatic solutions for rural economic challenges.
Dan Kleban, a community organizer and activist, runs on workers’ rights and corporate accountability. Though a long shot, he has drawn attention for his grassroots approach and emphasis on labor issues important to Maine’s working class.
The primary has sparked debate over the party’s direction, with tensions between establishment supporters of Mills and progressives calling for more substantial change.
Voter turnout and enthusiasm among the base will likely determine the outcome of this contentious race.
Before we take an early look at the contenders, here’s where to find the best 2025 Political Betting Sites and view all our latest free Politics betting picks.
Maine Democratic Primary Candidate Odds
 |  |  |
|
| Janet Mills | -140 | -140 | -140 |
| Graham Platner | +100 | +100 | +100 |
| Jordan Wood | +2500 | +2500 | +2500 |
| Dan Kleban | +3300 | +3300 | +3300 |
Janet Mills
As the Maine Democratic primary heats up, incumbent Governor Janet Mills enters the race as the clear favorite with odds at -140.
Her position reflects both her strong name recognition and steady approval ratings, having served nearly a decade in office.
Mills’s tenure has been marked by moderate, pragmatic leadership — a balance that resonates with many Democratic voters in a politically diverse state.
She has maintained her popularity by focusing on economic development, renewable energy expansion, and investments in public health.
I know what it takes to win a tough fight. I’m ready to defeat Susan Collins and give the people of Maine a leader they can trust to do what’s right. pic.twitter.com/9YL3Bxoyu5
— Janet Mills (@JanetMillsforME) October 22, 2025
However, being the frontrunner also means facing intensified scrutiny from challengers eager to portray her as part of the party’s old guard.
With Graham Platner at +100 gaining grassroots traction, Mills must energize her base and keep the narrative focused on her record of competence and stability.
Still, at this point in the race, the odds remain firmly in her favor. Despite Mills being favored I would pass on her at this price.
Graham Platner
Graham Platner has rapidly become Janet Mills’s most significant challenger in the Maine Democratic primary, closing the gap on the incumbent and posting +100 odds.
As a progressive with experience in environmental advocacy and small business, Platner has gained momentum via an energized grassroots campaign.
Projecting a message of generational change, climate action, and transparency, he appeals strongly to younger and progressive voters.
The first independent poll of the race, from UNH.
Grateful for the people of Maine who have my back. pic.twitter.com/Mw3zfzA576
— Graham Platner for Senate (@grahamformaine) October 23, 2025
Through strategic community organizing and social media, Platner has framed the primary as a clear contest: keep the status quo or embrace new Democratic leadership.
While Mills still benefits from institutional support, Platner’s surge signals strong demand for fresh voices—making him the central figure to watch as the race tightens.
Platner at even money is terrific value and a wager I would recommend.
Jordan Wood
At +2500, Jordan Wood remains a long shot, but his campaign brings an unmistakable reformist energy to the Maine Democratic primary.
A Lewiston native, Wood built his career on political reform, serving as vice president of End Citizens United and chief of staff to Rep. Katie Porter.
His platform calls for sweeping government accountability, stricter anti-corruption laws, and a ban on corporate PAC money — messages that appeal to progressive voters frustrated by establishment politics.
Recent controversies surrounding frontrunner Graham Platner’s past online comments and tattoos have given Wood renewed attention as a principled, clean alternative.
Congressman Ro Khanna on Platner’s controversial Reddit posts that were recently uncovered:
“Let's be clear. The DSCC leaked this to try to destroy Platner the day their hand-picked candidate entered the race.I respect Platner's journey and the man he is today. I reject the… pic.twitter.com/9X0qkJBUoI
— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) October 18, 2025
However, despite his impressive résumé and rising media profile, he lacks the statewide recognition of Mills or Platner’s grassroots movement.
His campaign serves as a rallying point for voters seeking integrity over popularity, making him an underdog with moral momentum rather than electoral likelihood.
These odds are too long to seriously consider.
Dan Kleban
With odds at +3300, brewery owner and businessman Dan Kleban once represented the populist lane of the Maine primary. He later suspended his campaign and endorsed Janet Mills earlier this month.
The co-founder of Maine Beer Company had launched his Senate bid on a platform centered on economic fairness, small business growth, and climate action.
These issues align with the concerns of many Democratic voters. However, after Mills officially entered the race, Kleban acknowledged her broader appeal and organizational advantage.
He called her the “right leader for this moment.” His withdrawal solidified Mills’s frontrunner status and helped consolidate establishment support behind the incumbent.
While Kleban’s exit likely removed a competitor rather than a spoiler, his endorsement reinforced Democratic unity ahead of a potential showdown with Republican Senator Susan Collins.
For observers, Kleban’s brief campaign adds a human touch: a pragmatic businessman recognizing when political timing — not just values — determines viability. I would pass on Kleban at this price.
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