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◆ Mixed look for PlatnerElections / Campaigns

Graham Platner, supporters celebrate as Janet Mills ends U.S. Senate bid

With Mills out of the race, Platner is positioning his campaign for the general election and has withdrawn from the planned primary debates.

Graham Platner, supporters celebrate as Janet Mills ends U.S. Senate bid
Image · Centralmaine.com

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This article1 analysis · Oct 12, 2026

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Republished from Portland Press Herald. ChamberLight matched this page's text to Portland Press Herald's article.

158 stories · 77.6–78.4 · updated Oct 13, 2026

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Republished by Lewiston Sun Journal

Centralmaine.comvia Portland Press Herald
Apr 30, 2026
tl;dr

Maine Gov. Janet Mills ended her U.S. Senate campaign, clearing the way for Graham Platner to become the likely Democratic nominee. Platner celebrated the development but said his campaign would withdraw from the remaining Democratic primary debates.

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Maine Senate candidate and beneficiary of Mills’ withdrawal

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Maine governor and Senate candidate who ended her campaign

Mills's version of this story ↗
Kirsten E. Gillibrand
D · NY · SEN

Senator and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair who said she would work with Platner

Susan M. Collins
R · ME · SEN

U.S. senator and likely Republican opponent in the general election

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President referred to in the Democratic leaders’ criticism of his administration

Gubernatorial candidate appearing with Platner at a town hall

Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

U.S. senator who endorsed Platner

Democratic Senate primary candidate

Chuck Schumer
D · NY · SEN

Senate minority leader who said he would work with Platner

Part of a bigger story

31 OUTLETS
Janet Mills Ends Senate Campaign as Graham Platner Emerges as Front-Runner

Janet Mills ended her Senate campaign, citing a lack of funds, leaving Graham Platner the expected Democratic front-runner against Susan Collins. Left-leaning outlets cast Platner’s rise as a test of progressive strength and a challenge to party leaders who backed Mills. Center outlets mostly track the race’s reshaping, with some noting broader tensions between party leaders and anti-establishment Democrats. Right-leaning outlets foreground scrutiny of Platner’s tattoo and past remarks, with some portraying Mills’s exit as a setback for Democratic leaders.

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