U.S. Senate candidate Jordan Wood spoke to potential voters at a town hall in Biddeford Monday night to talk about his plans for Maine’s future. That conversation also included a response to the possibility of Gov. Janet Mills running for the same seat.
Mills has officially joined the race to unseat Sen. Susan Collins, making the announcement on Tuesday.
Wood said before Mills’ announcement it would be amazing to be in the same race as the governor, but he’s still fighting for that seat.
“Change really does have to come from a new generation,” Wood said.
Wood said he will support Mills if she ends up winning the primary, but he wants to let the democratic process play out.
“I think voters, I put a lot of trust in them in making the right decision about what candidate they want to put forward in the general election, who they believe is the best candidate to defeat Susan Collins, but also that reflects their values and ideals, and is going to stand up for those in Washington,” Wood said.
After Mills’ announcement, Wood issued a statement calling for primary debates in all 16 counties of the state.
“To defeat Susan Collins, we need a Democratic candidate all Mainers can trust to serve and represent them, not special interests or party bosses. That means showing up in all 16 counties, answering questions, debating issues, and proving to voters who is best positioned to win the general election and deliver for Maine families,” Wood said in a statement released Tuesday. “This campaign is about courage, accountability, and who has what it takes to defeat Susan Collins, defend our democracy, and deliver for working families. I’m ready to make that case on the debate stage – and in every county across Maine.”
Wood, who is from Lewiston, has raised more than $3 million and has campaigned in all 16 counties of Maine. He’s been vocal about the affordability of health care, housing and child care.