Maine’s Democratic Gov. Janet Mills is facing a recall effort from critics of her transgender policies, but the citizen-led campaign is unlikely to result in her being removed from office.
An online recall petition calling for the removal of the first-term Democrat has gathered nearly 30,000 signatures since it was posted last week. The petitioner, Melissa Moulton, said she is “deeply disappointed” in Mills’ policies and the governor’s pushback on President Donald Trump’s efforts to prohibit transgender males from competing in women’s sports.
“I believe strongly that her policies are not in alignment with the wishes and values of the majority of Mainers,” Moulton wrote in the petition. “The feeling of disconnect between the populace and leadership is palpable and widespread.”
The recall effort comes as Mills battles the Trump administration over claims that the state is violating federal anti-discrimination laws for allowing transgender student athletes to compete in women’s sports.