Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, seen on the right, enters the House Chamber alongside Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill, preceding her delivery of the State of the State address on Jan. 30, 2024, at the State House in Augusta, Maine. Robert F. Bukaty/AP
Maine Gov. Janet Mills shared Thursday morning that she is halting her U.S. Senate bid, positioning Graham Platner as the probable Democratic contender to compete against current Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Mills pointed to financial constraints as a factor in ceasing her campaign.
“Even though I possess the motivation and fervor, dedication and background, and above all — the determination — to persevere, I simply lack the single element that political races regrettably demand today: monetary resources,” Mills conveyed in a prearranged declaration. “Therefore, today I have reached the immensely tough decision to put my campaign for the United States Senate on hold.”
Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, on the right, enters the House Chamber with Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill, ahead of giving her State of the State address, Jan. 30, 2024, at the State House in Augusta, Maine.Robert F. Bukaty/AP
The recent records from the Federal Election Commission from Q1 indicate Platner acquired around $1.4 million exceeding Mills’ total and possesses roughly $1.7 million greater available funds.
Platner, an oyster grower and armed forces veteran, also consistently recorded notably increased polling figures compared to Mills.
Mills’ announcement transpired merely a day prior to the planned initiation of the Maine Democratic Convention — and over five weeks before the state's June 9 primary election.
Mills and Platner had plans to engage in their inaugural televised discussions of the race in May alongside David Costello.
Sen. Bernie Sanders voiced backing for Platner, whereas Sen. Chuck Schumer had earlier revealed his support for Mills.
Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks at a town hall in Ogunquit, Maine, Oct. 22, 2025.Caleb Jones/AP
In a declaration released Thursday morning by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand stated in part, “Following years of permitting Trump’s abuses of authority, Senator Collins has never faced greater vulnerability, and we will collaborate with the likely Democratic nominee Graham Platner to defeat her.”
ABC News' Hannah Demissie added to this reporting.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com