Maine Governor Janet Mills announced on Thursday that she is dropping her bid for the US Senate, just weeks before the Democratic primary. The race has highlighted internal party divisions over strategy to win one of the most competitive Senate seats this year.
Why Mills Withdrew
In a statement, Mills cited a lack of financial resources as the primary reason for suspending her campaign. “While I have the drive and passion, commitment and experience, and above all else – the fight – to continue on, I very simply do not have the one thing that political campaigns unfortunately require today: the financial resources,” she said. “That is why today I have made the incredibly difficult decision to suspend my campaign for the United States Senate.”
Background on the Race
Mills, a two-term governor and longtime Maine politician, was considered one of Democrats’ top recruits for the 2026 Senate race when she entered last year. She had the backing of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and prominent left-leaning advocacy groups, all aiming to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins and help Democrats regain control of the closely divided Senate.
However, Mills struggled to gain traction against her primary opponent, Graham Platner, a first-time candidate. Despite facing controversy over past online comments and a tattoo widely recognized as a Nazi symbol, Platner maintained strong popularity.
Broader Democratic Debate
The contest between Mills and Platner reflects a broader debate within the Democratic Party over how best to defeat Republicans and win back power in Washington, where the GOP controls the White House and both chambers of Congress under President Donald Trump.
More details to follow.
