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3d ago

Mills Exits Maine Senate Race, Making Platner Likely Democratic Nominee Against Collins

The pivot sets up a nationally watched fight for Senate control in a state both parties consider winnable.

Maine Governor Janet Mills gestures while speaking during a meeting of northeastern U.S. Governors and Canadian Premiers to discuss the impacts of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and how American and Canadian leaders can continue to work together to maintain economic relations that benefit local businesses and residents, in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Sophie Park/File Photo
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Janet Mills, governor of Maine and Democratic US Senate candidate, during a roundtable discussion with community leaders in Westbrook, Maine, US, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The Maine race is a must-win for Democrats, who need a net gain of four seats in November's midterm elections to claim a Senate majority and see an opportunity to oust Republican Susan Collins from a seat she's held for nearly 30 years. Photographer: Sofia Aldinio/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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Overview

  • Maine Gov. Janet Mills suspended her campaign on Thursday, saying she lacked the money to keep running, which leaves Graham Platner as the presumptive Democratic nominee.
  • Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand said they will work with Platner to defeat Susan Collins, while NRSC chair Tim Scott labeled him too extreme, and Mills offered no endorsement.
  • Platner built a clear lead before Mills bowed out, raising about $4.1 million to her $2.7 million in the first quarter and holding a February polling edge of 64% to 26%.
  • The first-time candidate faces ongoing scrutiny over deleted Reddit posts, including remarks about sexual assault and comments on rural voters, and a chest tattoo he has covered that resembled a Nazi symbol.
  • After Mills’ withdrawal, Platner began pivoting to November, including a decision on Friday to skip planned primary debates as a pro-Collins super PAC ramps up ads ahead of the June 9 primary.