Early Life
A Foundation in Public Service
Janet Trafton Mills was born on December 30, 1947, in Farmington, Maine, into a family deeply rooted in public service. Her father, Sumner Peter Mills Jr., served as a U.S. Attorney and a state legislator, while her mother, Katherine Louise (Coffin) Mills, was a dedicated schoolteacher. With grandparents who also held political roles, public service became an intrinsic part of her upbringing.
Overcoming Adversity
Mills’ early years were marked by resilience. As a teenager, she battled severe scoliosis, spending nearly a year in a full-body cast. Despite this, she excelled academically, graduating from Farmington High School in 1965. She later attended Colby College and the University of Massachusetts Boston before earning her Juris Doctor from the University of Maine School of Law in 1976.
Family Life
Love and Loss
In 1985, Mills married Stanley Kuklinski, a widower with five daughters. She embraced her role as a stepmother, particularly forming a close bond with Lisl, who was just four years old when Mills became part of the family.
However, in 2014, tragedy struck when Kuklinski passed away after suffering a stroke. This profound loss did not deter Mills from her dedication to public service. She also remains a pillar of support for her brother, David, who has struggled with severe mental illness for much of his life.
Career Journey
Historic Achievements
Janet Mills’ career in public service spans several decades, with numerous groundbreaking achievements:
- 1980: Became Maine’s first female district attorney, overseeing Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties.
- 2002: Elected to the Maine House of Representatives, focusing on criminal justice reform and fiscal responsibility.
- 2008: Appointed Maine’s first female Attorney General, serving two terms and taking a strong stance against corporate fraud and environmental violations.
- 2019: Made history as Maine’s first female governor, implementing progressive policies and leading the state through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Policy Leadership
As governor, Mills has been instrumental in expanding healthcare access, benefiting over 100,000 residents. She has also prioritized education funding, clean energy initiatives, and social justice. Under her leadership:
- Conversion therapy was banned in Maine, ensuring protection for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Single-use plastic bags and styrofoam containers were prohibited, positioning Maine as an environmental leader.
- The state’s renewable energy sector has significantly expanded, with investments in wind and solar power.
Net Worth
A Modest Financial Profile
Unlike many career politicians, Janet Mills has remained focused on service rather than financial accumulation. As of 2025, her estimated net worth stands at $1.5 million, primarily derived from her gubernatorial salary and personal assets, including her Farmington home.
Her wealth is not measured in dollars but in her lasting impact on Maine’s policies and people. Her tenure as governor continues to be defined by integrity, dedication, and a relentless drive to improve the lives of Mainers.
Legacy
At 77, Janet Mills remains a formidable leader, championing progressive policies and advocating for the rights of all Mainers. Her journey—from overcoming personal hardships to breaking political barriers—stands as an inspiration to future leaders. Whether tackling climate change, advocating for healthcare, or standing firm on social justice, Mills has cemented her place in history as a trailblazer who redefined leadership in Maine.
