Janet Mills Then and Now

Janet Mills Then

Janet Mills, born on December 30, 1947, in Farmington, Maine, had a unique and challenging upbringing. 

Her mother, Katherine Louise (Coffin), was a dedicated schoolteacher and a member of the Congregationalist faith, which likely influenced Mills’ early values. 

Her father, Sumner Peter Mills Jr., was a prominent lawyer who served as the U.S. Attorney for Maine during the 1950s, exposing her to public service and the legal field at an early age. 

Mills faced a significant health challenge as a teenager when she was bedridden for nearly a year in a full-body cast due to severe scoliosis. 

The condition required surgery, and the experience likely instilled resilience and a sense of determination that would shape her future career.

After graduating from Farmington High School in 1965, Mills briefly attended Colby College but soon moved to San Francisco. 

There, she worked as a nursing assistant in a psychiatric hospital, an experience that may have sparked her interest in helping others. 

She eventually enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in 1970. 

Her time at UMass also allowed her to explore other cultures, as she traveled through Western Europe and became fluent in French, broadening her perspective and equipping her with language skills that would be beneficial in her career.

In 1973, Mills decided to pursue a career in law and enrolled at the University of Maine School of Law. 

Related Article: Liz Cheney Then and Now

During her studies, she secured a summer internship with civil rights attorney Charles Morgan Jr. at the American Civil Liberties Union in Washington, D.C., giving her hands-on experience in the field of civil rights law. 

This experience, combined with her own background and values, likely reinforced her commitment to justice and advocacy. 

Mills graduated with a Juris Doctor in 1976, was admitted to the bar, and went on to build a distinguished legal and political career, eventually becoming the first female governor of Maine.

Related Article: Mike Lee Then and Now

Janet Mills Political Career

Janet Mills has built a distinguished political career marked by several historic milestones in Maine. 

Appointed as Maine’s first female criminal prosecutor by Governor Joe Brennan, she began her career as an assistant attorney general in 1976, where she prosecuted homicides and major crimes. 

Her work in this role set the stage for her next accomplishment in 1980 when she became the first woman elected district attorney in New England, serving Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties. 

Mills served three terms in this position, solidifying her reputation as a dedicated prosecutor and public servant.

In 1994, Mills ran in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Congress seat being vacated by Olympia Snowe. 

Related Article: Michelle Lujan Grisham Then and Now

Although she did not win, placing third to John Baldacci, this experience expanded her engagement in Maine politics. 

Committed to advancing women’s representation and rights, Mills co-founded the Maine Women’s Lobby and joined its board of directors in 1998, reflecting her dedication to advocacy. 

She also worked as a field coordinator for Bill Bradley’s 2000 presidential campaign in Maine, actively supporting Democratic candidates and causes.

Mills entered the Maine House of Representatives in 2002, where she served on key committees like the judiciary, criminal justice, and appropriations committees. 

Related Article: Bill Lee Then and Now

Her legislative experience prepared her for her election as Maine’s attorney general in 2009, making her the first woman to hold this position. 

When Republicans gained control of the legislature in 2010, Mills was not reelected as attorney general but remained active in politics, becoming vice chair of the Maine Democratic Party in 2011. 

She joined the law firm Preti Flaherty but returned to public office in 2013 after Democrats regained control of the legislature and again elected her as attorney general. 

Her tenure was marked by repeated conflicts with then-Governor Paul LePage, especially on legal issues where she opposed policies she believed lacked legal merit. 

Related Article: Brian Kemp Then and Now

LePage even sought court intervention regarding the need for attorney general consent to hire outside counsel, a battle that illustrated Mills’ firm stance on legal independence.

In 2017, Mills announced her candidacy for governor of Maine, and after a competitive Democratic primary, she secured the nomination. 

She won the general election in 2018 against Republican Shawn Moody and two independents, becoming Maine’s first female governor and winning the highest vote count of any governor in Maine’s history. 

Her campaign’s success was bolstered by strong endorsements, including those from Maine’s major newspapers and The Boston Globe, as well as by targeted social media efforts aimed at young voters. 

Related Article: Tim Kaine Then and Now

In her historic win, Mills not only broke barriers as the first woman governor but also garnered over 50% of the vote, a rare achievement for first-term governors in the state since 1966.

In 2022, Mills ran for reelection, facing no primary opposition and defeating former governor Paul LePage in the general election, securing a second term with a record-breaking 373,000 votes, surpassing her own previous record. 

Throughout her career, Mills’ achievements, resilience, and pioneering role have cemented her as a trailblazer in Maine politics, representing the Democratic Party with a focus on justice, women’s rights, and public service.

Related Article: Jeff Merkley Then and Now

Janet Mills’ Personal Life

In 1985, Janet Mills married Stanley Kuklinski, a real estate developer, gaining a blended family that included five stepdaughters. 

Her marriage to Kuklinski brought her not only personal happiness but also a shared commitment to family amidst her demanding career in law and public service. 

Tragically, their nearly 30-year partnership ended when Kuklinski passed away on September 24, 2014, after suffering from complications related to a stroke. 

Related Article: Ben Sasse Then and Now

His passing was a significant loss for Mills, who balanced her role as a public figure with her responsibilities as a wife and stepmother. 

The experience of loss and resilience likely deepened her empathy and resolve, traits that would continue to shape her approach to leadership and public service.

Related Article: Jon Ossoff Then and Now

Janet Mills Now

Janet Mills, currently 76 years old, is an American politician and lawyer who has made history in Maine as the state’s 75th governor. 

She assumed office in January 2019, becoming Maine’s first female governor and a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape. 

Her journey to the governorship reflects her lifelong dedication to public service, law, and advocacy. 

Related Article: Kim Reynolds Then and Now

Mills has also served as Maine’s Attorney General on two separate occasions, from 2009 to 2011 and then from 2013 to 2019, making her the first woman to hold that office as well.

As attorney general, Mills established herself as a strong advocate for justice, often taking firm stances on legal matters and standing up for causes she deemed significant for Maine residents. 

Related Article: Doug Ducey Then and Now

Her tenure included high-profile disputes with then-Governor Paul LePage, as she defended the independence and integrity of the attorney general’s office. 

Mills’ leadership style—marked by resilience, commitment to legal integrity, and focus on public welfare—carried her into the governor’s office, where she continues to emphasize healthcare access, environmental protections, and economic development for Maine.

Related Article: Val Demings Then and Now

FAQs