Maine Gov. Janet Mills announced Thursday that she is withdrawing from the Democratic race for U.S. Senate, citing an inability to raise sufficient funds to continue her campaign, as reported [1] by Fox News.
Mills shared the decision in a statement posted on X, confirming that financial limitations played a decisive role in ending her bid. She had entered the race last year seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican representing Maine.
“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,” Mills wrote.
My statement suspending my candidacy for the U.S. Senate: pic.twitter.com/IDs58EfatC [2]
— Janet Mills (@JanetMillsforME) April 30, 2026 [3]
Her departure narrows the Democratic primary field and leaves political newcomer Graham Platner as a leading contender. Platner’s campaign has drawn attention for multiple controversies, including reports that he has a “Totenkopf” Nazi SS tattoo.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee responded to Mills’ exit by characterizing the development as effectively clearing the field for Platner. NRSC Chairman Tim Scott issued a statement following the announcement.
“Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats just coronated a phony who is too extreme for Maine. Susan Collins has always put in the work for her constituents and delivered. Washington Democrats always fall short in Maine and will again, because they just nominated a dishonest radical,” Scott said.
Mills had entered the race with backing from several prominent Democratic figures and organizations. Among those who supported her campaign were Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and various Democratic groups.
With Mills no longer in the race, attention has shifted to Platner’s candidacy and the broader direction of the Democratic primary. Platner has received endorsements from several national figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., as well as Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.
The race will ultimately determine who challenges Collins, who has represented Maine in the Senate for multiple terms. Collins has not yet faced the Democratic nominee in the upcoming election cycle.
Mills’ decision marks a shift in the dynamics of the race, as Democrats now move forward without a sitting governor in the primary field. Her campaign had been viewed as a high-profile effort within the party, given her statewide recognition and previous electoral success.
No additional details were immediately released regarding future political plans for Mills following her withdrawal.