NRSC Appeals for Release of Janet Mills’ 1990 Cocaine Investigation Files
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has renewed its push to obtain records from a 1990 federal investigation into Maine’s Democratic Governor Janet Mills, arguing that the public has a right to the information. While NARA initially agreed to review the request in April 2025, it later denied the records under FOIA exemptions, citing the need to protect grand jury testimony. The NRSC is now appealing the decision, as the documents could have significant implications for Mills’ current political prospects, particularly if she moves forward with a Senate run against Sen. Susan Collins.
Mills, then a district attorney, was investigated in 1990 after a drug suspect accused her of cocaine use. The probe eventually ended without charges, and Mills has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming the investigation was politically motivated. A newly uncovered 1995 DOJ memo contradicts this, asserting that federal and state authorities acted appropriately. However, Mills has yet to release the files she requested in 1992, and her office has not responded to recent inquiries. As the NRSC’s appeal unfolds, the public’s demand for transparency continues to grow, especially with potential Senate bids on the horizon.
Despite her previous claims of political persecution, Mills has shown no sign of stepping down from public life. She recently indicated in April that she does not intend to run for another office, but admitted that her plans are subject to change. This uncertainty has only intensified the scrutiny surrounding her past and potential future in politics. The NRSC’s efforts to obtain the documents highlight the ongoing interest in her past, with the investigation’s outcome potentially shaping her political future in the state.