Democratic Maine Governor Mills Drops Out of Key Senate Race (3)

April 30, 2026, 4:10 PM UTC

Maine Governor Janet Mills suspended her campaign for a US Senate seat on Thursday, upending the race to unseat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.

Mills’ move effectively hands the Democratic nomination to political newcomer Graham Platner, whose progressive, populist message had pushed him well ahead in recent polling despite backlash over old social media posts and a since-covered up tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. In a statement posted to social media, Platner praised Mills’ service and said he looked forward to working with her to defeat Collins.

Maine Governor Janet Mills
Photographer: Sofia Aldinio/Bloomberg

Notably, Mills did not immediately endorse Platner in her statement. ...

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