Janet Mills, the Democratic governor of Maine and a vocal critic of US President Donald Trump, has dropped her bid to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins, dramatically reshaping one of the most closely watched Senate races ahead of the November election.
Mills announced her withdrawal Thursday, citing a lack of campaign funding despite her popularity and political experience.
Mills mentions the challenges of raising funds
“While I have the drive and passion, determination and experience and most of all — the fight — to keep going, I simply don’t have the one thing that political campaigns require: financial resources,” Mills, 77, said in a statement.
Her decision opens the field for Democrat Graham Platner, a progressive candidate who has quickly established himself as a strong fundraiser and outside challenger.
Senate control at stake
The Maine Senate is considered one of seven key contests likely to determine control of the United States Senate.
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the House, meaning Democrats would need to pick up four seats to regain control.
The Senate map appears highly competitive, with key races in states including Ohio, Alaska and North Carolina expected to decide the balance of power in Washington.
Graham Platner is emerging as the leading Democrat
Graham Platner, a former sailor and oyster farmer, is now the leading Democratic challenger to Collins.
Platner launched his campaign in August, presenting himself as an anti-establishment candidate focused on Maine’s economic frustrations.
He blamed political elites and wealthy interests for the failure of ordinary citizens.
“I am not fooled by this false charade of Collins’ deliberation and moderation,” Platner said in a campaign statement.
Federal Election Commission filings showed Platner significantly promoted Mills. He collected $12 million between July and March, compared to the $5.4 million Mills collected between October and March.
Platner also reportedly led Mills in a recent poll.
Collins remains a formidable authority
Susan Collins, 72, remains one of the most prominent Republican moderates in the Senate and currently chairs the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.
Known for occasionally breaking with major voices with her party, Collins has long cultivated a centrist image in Maine politics.
Speaking to reporters at the Capitol after Mills’ withdrawal, Collins acknowledged the governor’s decision with respect.
“I’m sure this was a difficult decision for Governor Mills to make,” Collins said, adding that she will continue to work with Mills for the remainder of her gubernatorial term.
Democrats are eyeing House and Senate gains
Democrats are widely seen as competitive in the race for control of the United States House of Representatives, where Republicans currently hold a narrow 217-212 majority with five seats unfilled.
But control of the Senate remains less certain, with both parties gearing up for a series of hotly contested races across the country.
Mills’ departure now increases the pressure on Platner to unite Democratic voters in Maine while taking on one of the GOP’s most experienced incumbents.
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