AUGUSTA — Maine Beer Company owner Dan Kleban is joining the Democratic field in the race to defeat Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in 2026.

An attorney who was laid off from his job during the Great Recession, Kleban worked with his brother to launch Maine Beer Company. In a statement released Wednesday, he said he’s running for Senate to fight against high prices and cuts to Medicaid.

“Right now our country is at a crossroads,” he said. “Just like when I started Maine Beer Company, I feel a responsibility to fight. I’m running for Senate so that we finally have someone in this seat who will do what’s right for Mainers.”

Kleban joins a Democratic field with several other candidates including Jordan Wood of Bristol, David Costello of Brunswick and Graham Platner of Sullivan. Last week, Gov. Janet Mills told reporters she is still considering whether to run and that she’ll announce her decision in November. 

Kleban, who lives in Cumberland, emphasized his small business experience, highlighting his company’s commitment to covering all health care costs and providing retirement benefits for employees. The company has been recognized for giving 1% of sales to nonprofits that address climate change.

“I’m not a politician,” Kleban said. “I’m a guy who loves his family and was blessed to start a business in the state that gave me so much.”