Maine Gov. Janet Mills Ends Senate Bid, Clearing Path for Graham Platner Against Susan Collins

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.

Separately, the Supreme Court struck down Louisiana's congressional map as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, prompting the state to delay its May 16 House primaries. Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced that House votes cast will not count, but the Senate primary and other races proceed as scheduled.

Absentee voting is underway, with early voting planned for this weekend. Republican lawmakers plan to redraw lines, potentially eliminating one of two Democratic-held districts, including that of Rep. Cleo Fields. The other is held by Rep. Troy Carter.

Bill Cassidy faces challengers including Rep. Trump posted on Truth Social urging voters to remove Cassidy.

Republican-led states are considering map redraws.

Bill Lee indicated he would work to implement a new map, where the primary is August 6 and one Democratic district exists in Memphis. The Maine race outcome could influence Democratic strategies for 2028 presidential nominations, reflecting debates between establishment and progressive wings.

Platner positioned himself as an outsider, contrasting with Collins, 73, and emphasizing populist messages that drew large crowds to his events.