TCGF Leadership Series
Governor Janet Mills (D-ME)
The race that could decide the Senate majority.
Hosted by the Hon. Gillian Sorensen
former Assistant Secretary-General of the UN.
In-person, Tuesday February 24th from 5:30PM - 7:00PM (hard stop)
Do not arrive before 5:30; Program from 6pm - 7pm with a hard stop at 7pm.
Gov. Janet Mills is the very popular Governor of Maine and is now the candidate for U.S. Senate that could be a defining moment of the 2026 midterms. Incumbent Senator Susan Collins is the only GOP Senator in a state that Democrats carried in the last presidential election, and Mills’ entry has transformed the GOP stronghold into a toss-up that could decide control of the Senate.
Mills’ campaign ignited around a dramatic confrontation with President Trump — after his administration froze key federal education and nutrition funding to Maine as leverage, Mills took the fight to federal court, forced the funds to be restored, and declared that she beat the White House rather than bow to its threats.
Facing progressive oyster farmer Graham Platner in the primary and longtime Senator Susan Collins in the general election means this won’t be an ordinary campaign. With national attention focused on Maine’s outcome, this event puts you in the room with a candidate at the heart of one of the 2026 cycle’s most dramatic and consequential contests.
We are honored to have as our host for the evening, Hon. Gillian Sorensen, former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, at her beautiful home overlooking Central Park.
[Tickets through membership works.]
About our Speaker
Gov. Janet Mills is Maine’s first female governor and a lifelong public servant whose leadership blends fierce advocacy with a clear focus on results. A native of Farmington, Maine, she built her career as an attorney and prosecutor before becoming elected governor. As governor she’s pushed major expansions in health care access, made school meals free for all Maine children, boosted funding for public education, and spearheaded economic growth across the state — all while sustaining broad support from voters in a politically independent environment.
More than a career politician, Mills has deep roots in Maine communities and a reputation for steady leadership in turbulent times. She co-founded an advocacy group for survivors of domestic violence early in her career, raised a family in her hometown, and has been widely praised for navigating crises — from the pandemic to federal funding battles — with resilience and poise. Proudly grounded in Maine values of hard work and independence, she known for bringing a blend of grit, empathy, and strategic focus to each fight she takes on.
About Our Host
Gillian Sorensen has had a distinguished career with the United Nations serving as Assistant Secretary-General; Special Adviser for Public Policy, and National Advocate for the United Nations Foundation. She worked closely with three Secretaries-General, with diplomats from 193 nations and with 4000 non-governmental organizations accredited to the UN.
She began her career as the New York City Commissioner for the United Nations and Consular Corps, head of the city’s liaison office with 30,000 diplomats. She is an experienced public speaker and has addressed audiences here and abroad ranging from diplomats and politicians, to journalists and students, women’s groups and faith groups, civic leaders and cadets at both West Point and the Air Force Academy. Gillian has twice been a Fellow at Harvard. She serves on the Board of the International Rescue Committee and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She is active in political life and was a delegate to three national Presidential Conventions.
She continues to inspire support for the UN on matters of peace, justice, human rights, and humanitarian and refugee relief. A New York Times profile referred to her as “The Diplomat’s Diplomat.” Sorensen has moderated several events for The Common Good Forum, including Smithsonian American Women's History Museum with Rep. Carolyn Maloney and Smithsonian’s Lisa Sasaki. She is currently a member of The Common Good Honorary Advisory Board.