Maine Governor Janet Mills Suspends US Senate Campaign Citing Lack of Funds

Maine Governor Janet Mills suspended her campaign for the US Senate on April 30, 2026, citing a lack of financial resources. Mills, a two-term governor, had entered the race last year as a top Democratic recruit backed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Her withdrawal leaves Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and former Marine, as the frontrunner in the Democratic primary set for June 9, 2026. Collins, seeking her sixth term, represents a state that President Trump lost in previous elections.

Mills raised $5 million since entering the race, with $1 million cash on hand, according to USA Today. In contrast, Platner raised nearly $12 million, with $2.7 million on hand, and Collins had $10 million. Platner raised $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to Mills' $2.7 million, as reported by CNN.

These figures underscore the financial challenges Mills faced, which she highlighted as the primary reason for her exit. The race highlighted debates within the Democratic Party about establishment candidates versus newcomers. Mills, 78, represented experience, while Platner, 41, embodied generational change.

USA Today noted the contest illustrated a widening gap between the party's establishment and its next generation.

Platner faced criticism over a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, specifically the Totenkopf emblem associated with the SS. He addressed this on Instagram, saying he was appalled to learn of the resemblance and covered it with a new tattoo. Sources including Fox News and USA Today reported on this issue.

Additionally, old Reddit posts by Platner surfaced, containing comments some considered offensive about sexual assault and political violence. Platner cited combat trauma when confronted about these posts, as noted in Fox News. Despite these controversies, Platner maintained strong polling and fundraising leads.

The Maine Senate race is part of Democratic efforts to regain Senate control amid Republican dominance in Washington, including the White House and both congressional chambers. Similar primary struggles for Schumer-backed candidates occurred in Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota, according to The New York Times.

Collins, the only Republican representing New England in Congress, has positioned herself as a moderate. A pro-Collins super PAC launched a $2 million ad buy against Platner last week, signaling Republican preparation for the general election. Platner has promised a more aggressive stance against the Trump administration.

The primary was set against broader party debates on defeating Republicans in Trump's Washington. Mills' exit, just weeks before the vote, followed her struggles to gain traction despite her extensive experience as governor, state lawmaker, and former Maine attorney general.