Maine Gov. Janet Mills Ends Senate Campaign

Maine Gov. Janet Mills announced Thursday that she is suspending her campaign for the U.S. Senate, citing a lack of financial resources to continue in the Democratic primary. Mills, a two-term governor, entered the race last year as a top recruit for Democrats aiming to unseat Republican Sen.

Susan Collins. She raised $2.6 million in the latest quarter, compared to Platner's $4 million and Collins' $3.1 million, with Collins holding $10 million in reserves.

Mills stated that despite her drive and experience, the fundraising shortfall made continuation impossible. The primary is set for June 9. Platner has faced scrutiny over past Reddit posts and a tattoo he covered up, which some described as resembling a Nazi symbol.

Multiple sources reported that Mills did not endorse Platner upon withdrawing, but said she would monitor his efforts to earn voter support.

and Broader Implications Senate Minority

Leader Chuck Schumer and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee initially backed Mills. After her exit, Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand stated they would work with Platner to defeat Collins. Platner has endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Ruben Gallego, and Sen. Martin Heinrich. He held events Thursday thanking Mills and preparing for Republican attacks.

“We will defeat Susan Collins. We will go to Washington, and we will start tearing down the system that for too long has forgotten and written off the people who make Maine and this country what it is.”

The race is one of several that could determine Senate control, where Republicans hold 53 seats, Democrats 45, and two independents caucus with Democrats.