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Mills Drops Senate Bid, Veteran Platner Leads Democratic Race

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Janet Mills announced Thursday she is suspending her Senate campaign because she lacks sufficient financial resources.
Graham Platner, a Marine veteran oyster farmer, has raised about $2.7 million and is now the likely Democratic nominee.
Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand pledged to work with Platner to defeat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Susan Collins said she wishes Mills well.

History

Historical Context

John Edwards ended his 2008 Democratic presidential bid on Jan 30, 2008 after lagging in fundraising and poll standings, while Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton each raised substantially more. By July 2007 Edwards had collected $23 million from about 100,000 donors, highlighting a long-standing disparity in donor bases that continues to shape modern Senate and presidential races.

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Story summary

Janet Mills announced Thursday she is suspending her Senate campaign because she lacks sufficient financial resources.
Graham Platner, a Marine veteran oyster farmer, has raised about $2.7 million and is now the likely Democratic nominee.
Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand pledged to work with Platner to defeat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Susan Collins said she wishes Mills well.

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