When Gov. Janet Mills announced the end of her fading U.S. Senate campaign on Thursday morning, responses from around the state came pouring in.
With the governor bowing out, it’s looking all but certain that Graham Platner will secure the Democratic nomination and face incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in November. Other than Platner, the only Democrat remaining in the primary is David Costello, a Brunswick resident who is well behind in both polling and fundraising.
Many of the Democratic reactions Thursday congratulated Platner and declared him the presumptive nominee. The Democratic Party and associated groups — as well as many state and local politicians and office-seekers — lined up behind the oyster farmer and military veteran from Sullivan. But notably, Mills did not immediately endorse her former primary opponent.
On the other side of the aisle, Republicans took aim at both Mills and Platner, casting the former as an out-of-touch career politician rejected by voters and the latter as an extremist who they argued is unfit to represent Mainers.
Our live updates for the day have ended. Scroll through below for a recap of Thursday’s events.
Ended
Janet Mills not eager to endorse Graham Platner
A campaign spokesperson for Gov. Janet Mills released this statement Thursday in response to questions about whether she would endorse Graham Platner for U.S. Senate:
“Governor Mills has never voted for Susan Collins, and she will not do so in this election either. As Maine’s Governor, she will continue to support Democratic candidates across Maine, and she will continue to hear and watch how Graham Platner works to earn the support of Maine voters, just as she will keep a close eye on Maine’s Congressional and Gubernatorial primaries as well.”
Read Platner’s full statement on Mills suspending her campaign:
“Janet Mills has dedicated her career to this beautiful state. We are all eternally grateful for her service to Maine as Governor, Attorney General, district attorney, and in the legislature.
“We both got into this race because we knew how critical it is to defeat Susan Collins. And her decision today reflects a commitment to that project. I look forward to working with her between now and November to do just that. To defeat Susan Collins and turn this seat blue again.
“The race has never been about me or really about one person. It’s about a movement of working Mainers who are fed up with being robbed by billionaires and the politicians who own them. We are now taking back our power. That is what this campaign is.
“We will defeat Susan Collins. We will go to Washington, and we will start tearing down the system that for too long has forgotten and written off the people who make Maine and this country what it is.
“People have said that this campaign came out of nowhere. But those people don’t know Maine. This movement came out of a lot of somewheres.
“From working waterfronts that have worked for far too long only to be pushed to the brink.
“From towns where the closest hospital is hours away.
“For workers who pay more in taxes than billionaires.
“For loggers who are just one mill closure away from bankruptcy.
“And for young people who want a home to call their own.
“And for seniors ready to demand the dignity they deserve.
“For decades this has taken, piece by piece, store by store, hospital by hospital, shore by shore, town by town. They have taken from us.
“And they took so much that they began to think that we didn’t exist at all. But they don’t know Maine. They don’t know the power that we have here.
“And we are taking back what is ours.”
Platner vs. Collins: Tale of the tape
Collins has decades of experience and holds a key leadership position in the Senate. Platner is a political newcomer with a lengthy military background.
So far, Platner’s campaign has outspent Collins’ in terms of direct advertising, though spending by large PACs tips the scale in her favor.
Meanwhile, betters on predictive markets seem to think a Democrat will win in November.
Read more of our number-to-number breakdown.
Platner pulling out of primary debates to focus on Collins
Platner is backing out of all upcoming Democratic primary debates to turn his attention to his likely general election matchup with Collins, his campaign confirmed Thursday afternoon.
He had been set to appear at five debates over the next month, including one on May 7 hosted by NEWS CENTER Maine and Maine Public in partnership with the Portland Press Herald.
With Platner out of the debates and Mills out of the race entirely, it wasn’t immediately clear Thursday afternoon whether any of the debates would go forward as planned. Costello had been expected to attend at least three of the debates, though his low poll numbers meant that he failed to qualify for a May 18 forum hosted by WGME and the Bangor Daily News.
Media turned away from Maine People’s Alliance town hall with Platner
Members of the media are being turned away from a Thursday afternoon town hall Platner is holding in Lewiston with Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat running for governor.
A spokesperson for Bellows’ campaign said the event hit capacity — more than 100 people — and so the campaigns were “prioritizing voters over press.”
The town hall, set to start at 4 p.m., was scheduled in advance of Mills’ announcement that she’s dropping out.
Schumer dodges when asked if he misread the Maine electorate
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was asked by CNN on Thursday if he misread the Maine electorate in backing Mills over Platner.
“‘We are going to take back the Senate and win Maine,’ he told me, not answering directly,” CNN reporter wrote Manu Raju on X.
Watch: What’s next in the Maine Senate election race: Graham Platner and Susan Collins
The general election is now likely to be a serious contrast of styles, the likes of which we’ve never seen before in Maine.
Get the full breakdown on Mills’ exit and what’s next in the Senate race between Platner and Collins by signing up for our political newsletter here.
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Video by Kirby Wilson, politics editor, and Claire Tighe, deputy managing editor, digital strategy & transformation.
Planned Parenthood praises Mills’ record, stays silent on Platner
Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund praised Mills on Thursday, calling her “a trailblazer for reproductive rights.”
The group applauded how Mills enacted policies to require Medicaid to cover abortion services and allowed a greater number of health professionals to perform the procedure. It also noted how Mills used state funding to backfill against federal cuts.
Mills also signed a law to shield providers of gender-affirming and abortion care from out-of-state prosecution.
“During her eight years as governor, she has accomplished more to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights than any other leader in Maine’s history,” the group said.
“Despite the constant attacks and the cruelty coming from Washington DC, Janet Mills hasn’t just spoken up, she has acted. She has been bold. She accomplished what was needed to ensure that people could access the reproductive and sexual health care they need, safely, and legally.”
The group had endorsed Mills in the Senate primary but did not mention Platner in its statement in response to her decision to suspend her campaign.
Maine Democratic Party ‘has lost its mind’, Republican U.S. senator says
U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, criticized the Democratic Party on Thursday as the way was cleared for Graham Platner to become the party’s nominee for U.S. Senate.
“Democrats are rallying behind a self-described Communist with a nazi tattoo in Maine. The party has lost its mind,” Cotton wrote on X. “Susan Collins has spent her career standing up and delivering for Maine families. She’s ready to win this fight.”
Bernie Sanders commends Platner
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders posted a statement to social media Thursday afternoon congratulating Platner on his prospective Democratic nomination following Mills’ decision to end her campaign.
Sanders, a progressive independent who was early to endorse Platner, commended the Sullivan resident’s work “taking on the billionaire class and fighting for working families.”
“Americans are tired of status quo politics. They want REAL change and that’s what Graham will deliver,” Sanders wrote in the statement.
Sen. Lindsey Graham: ‘Good news’ for Collins
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, in a social media post, declared Mills’ announcement to be “Good news for my dear friend Susan Collins.”
“She is now running against the most extreme candidate in the 2026 cycle. Think Elizabeth Warren, (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) and Bernie Sanders on steroids,” the South Carolina Republican wrote, adding that he has no doubt that Collins will win in November.
Rep. Chellie Pingree calls Mills ‘one of the best governors our state has ever had’
Chellie Pingree, a Democrat representing Maine’s 1st District in the U.S. House, celebrated Mills’ accomplishments Thursday and said she has made extraordinary progress on expanding access to healthcare, investing in public education and childcare, and advancing clean energy initiatives as governor.
“I have no doubt that history will remember her as one of the best governors our state has ever had and that her legacy and impact will continue to shape our state for generations to come,” Pingree said in a written statement reacting to Mills’ announcement.
Pingree did not mention Platner in her statement.
“While I know this decision was a difficult one, I trust her judgment — and know she’s doing what she feels is best for herself, her family, and the people of Maine,” Pingree said of Mills.
Collins, Platner look to fundraise off Mills’ announcement
Both Collins and Platner sent out emails Thursday afternoon seeking to boost their respective campaigns in the wake of Mills’ announcement.
“We need a massive surge of support from common-sense conservatives right now to fight back,” Collins’ campaign wrote in a fundraising email. “Graham Platner is the Far Left’s dream candidate, and we cannot let them buy this seat.”
Platner’s campaign requested donations in an email that included remarks similar to his comments at an Augusta news conference Thursday morning.
“Together, we are going to defeat Susan Collins,” the email read. “Together, we are going to flip Maine blue. Together, we are going to take back the Senate for Democrats. Together, we are going to elect an oyster farmer to the United States Senate.”
Steve Collins: Can we take a moment to appreciate Janet Mills?
Columnist Steve Collins writes about Mills’ legacy and leadership, particularly during the Lewiston mass shooting. Read his piece here.
Troy Jackson, candidate for governor, congratulates Platner
Troy Jackson, a progressive Democrat who has made his past disagreements with Mills part of his campaign for governor, congratulated Platner on social media Thursday.
Both Jackson and Platner were endorsed by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., last fall.
“I endorsed Graham in February because I saw in him the same thing Bernie Sanders did: a progressive champion with the guts to take power back from the corporate oligarchs who’ve dominated our political system for way too long,” Jackson wrote on X.
Prospective House Dems in 2nd District line up behind Platner
Two Democrats running for the U.S. House seat in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District announced their support for Platner on Thursday.
Jordan Wood, a former Capitol Hill operative, said in a statement on social media that he feels confident Platner “will win this critically important race and serve our state well.”
State Auditor Matt Dunlap described Mills as a strong leader and friend and colleague but said in a statement on social media that Platner is “now the clear choice.”
“I cannot wait to join him in Washington and get to work for the families, workers, and communities we both grew up serving. It’s time for progressives and Democrats to get behind him and get get to work,” Dunlap said in his statement.
State Sen. Joe Baldacci of Bangor stopped short of endorsing Platner but wrote on social media that “it is vital that our party keep our eye on the prize — a resounding win up and down the ticket.”
“I look forward to doing my part to defeat Paul LePage while helping our nominees for Senator and Governor to ensure we don’t give away your Social Security, Medicare, or tax dollars to the rich,” Baldacci wrote.
The National Republican Congressional Committee criticized the three Democrats’ posts in a statement. Committee spokesperson Maureen O’Toole described Platner as a “thug who hates the police and loves Nazis.”
“Their support for Platner is appalling, and Mainers won’t stand for it,” O’Toole said in the statement.
Democratic Party backs Platner
While Mills had been portrayed as the favorite of national Democrats in the primary, the party showed its support for Platner after her announcement.
“Maine, let’s send an oyster farmer to the U.S. Senate — and kick out Susan Collins,” the Democratic Party said in a post on X.
Platner appeals to Mills supporters over shared goal: Beating Susan Collins
Platner said Thursday he and Mills entered the race for the same reason: to beat Susan Collins. That remains his message for would-be Mills voters.
“We all, at this moment, need to come together,” Platner said. “And so I very much, very much ask them to support us.”
Rep. Valli Geiger delivers excited endorsement
In her endorsement of Graham Platner on Thursday, state Rep. Valli Geiger said she found her person.
Geiger, D-Rockland, said she spent her life waiting for a politician to recognize that all Americans should be afforded the benefits she was given as the child of a service member killed in the line of duty.
When Geiger heard Platner speak about his own time in the service, she became a supporter on the spot.
“My feet aren’t even on the ground,” Geiger said. “We are at a tipping point in Maine, and in this country.”
Platner to appear at town hall in Lewiston this afternoon
Platner is scheduled to appear at a town hall hosted by the Maine People’s Alliance in Lewiston on Thursday afternoon after a 3 p.m. news conference.
The event, which was already scheduled ahead of Mills’ announcement, will also feature Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who is running for governor. Both candidates have been endorsed by the progressive organization.
“Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Graham Platner are bold progressives who believe in our state and its people and aren’t afraid to fight for what’s right,” the MPA said in a news release this week.
Platner volunteer: Campaign ‘feels like a “we” kind of situation’
Ryan Warren, 42, said he was skeptical when he first saw a Graham Planter ad.
“It had the aesthetic as a Chevy ad from the ’90s,” Warren said. “So I thought he was going to be one of these blue dog Democrats that were popular about a decade ago.”
Since then, Warren has been excited to see Platner call out money in politics and criticize politicians he says use public institutions to enrich themselves.
Warren found Platner’s critiques incisive and since then has been heavily involved in his campaign.
“It’s been very DIY. Punk rock, almost,” Warren said. “It’s been an awesome opportunity for me to meet people who have strong values and care about the public health.”
Collins to CNN: ‘This is the governor’s day’
Collins told CNN’s Manu Raju on Thursday morning that she wishes Mills well, saying the Democratic governor “devoted her life to public service in the state of Maine.”
Raju posted a video on social media Thursday morning asking Collins about Mills’ decision, but the Republican senator declined to talk about what the news means for the November election.
“This is the governor’s day, and I think the focus should be on her and her wanting to give her message to the people of Maine,” she said.
Collins said she and Mills have worked well together in the past and will continue to do so throughout the rest of her tenure as governor.
Another Republican running for governor celebrates as Mills drops out
Jonathan Bush, an entrepreneur and cousin of former President George W. Bush, who is running for governor, celebrated Mills’ announcement in a social media post.
“Janet Mills has dropped out of the U.S Senate race, which is the right thing to do,” Bush wrote on Facebook. “Maine’s economy is an absolute nightmare because of the Soviet policies Mills rammed through.”
“If you want someone who will do the EXACT OPPOSITE of Janet Mills, I’m your guy,” he added.
Senate hopeful David Costello comments on Mills, says he’s staying in the race
While Mills’ announcement cleared the way for Platner to easily win the primary, he is still facing a long-shot challenge from Brunswick Democrat David Costello.
Costello, a former state and federal government worker, has trailed Mills and Platner significantly in both polling and fundraising for months.
He said in a written statement Thursday that Mills has been “an excellent governor” and wished her well. He said he has no intention of dropping out of the race.
“I look forward to continuing to offer Mainers a well-rounded and experienced option in the race to replace Senator Collins in the US Senate,” he said.
Hannah Pingree says Mills’ decision is ‘emblematic of who she is’
Hannah Pingree, a Democrat running for governor, said on X that Mills’ decision is “emblematic of who she is: someone who is not afraid to make a tough call for the greater good.”
Her statement Thursday read as a nod to concerns some Democrats likely had behind the scenes about how a contentious primary between Mills and Platner could play out ahead of the general election.
Pingree, who led the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future for six years under Mills, thanked the governor for her leadership.
“I’m grateful for her record of service to the Maine people,” Pingree said.
Platner: Focus is defeating Collins
After greeting assembled supporters and volunteers with hugs, Platner, speaking at an Augusta news conference, thanked Gov. Janet Mills for her years of service to the state.
“We both got into this race because we knew how critical it is to defeat Susan Collins,” Platner said. “Her decision today reflects a commitment to that project.”
Platner said he looks forward to working with Mills throughout the rest of his campaign.
Watch: Platner speaks at Augusta news conference
Platner and a group of his supporters, including many state Democratic lawmakers, spoke in Augusta at an 11 a.m. news conference about the state of the Senate race now that Mills has dropped out.
Maine Democratic Party applauds Mills, says party will unite to defeat Collins
Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson praised Mills as a “trailblazer who has fought hard for Maine, from expanding health care to standing up to the Trump administration’s abuses.”
Mills’ announcement came a day before the party is scheduled to hold its 2026 state convention in Portland.
“The Maine Democratic party is neutral in primaries and will be proud to support our Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, along with our nominees in races up and down the ballot,” Murphy-Anderson said.
Platner’s campaign prepares for news conference
Seven campaign volunteers are standing at the back of the room holding signs as Platner’s team prepares for his appearance in the Parlor Room at the Governor Hill Mansion in Augusta.
Platner’s remarks will be livestreamed on his Facebook page.
Democratic super PAC announces support for Platner
A major Senate Democratic political action committee announced Thursday that it will support Platner’s bid, declaring that Collins “will be defeated in November.”
“Her years of voting against Maine families have left her in the weakest and most vulnerable position of her career,” Lauren French, a spokesperson for the Senate Majority PAC, said in a written statement. “In contrast, Graham Platner has brought a new energy to the campaign, and we will continue our fight to defeat Collins with him as the presumptive nominee.”
Lewiston mayor thanks Mills
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline expressed gratitude for Mills in a statement Thursday morning, describing her as a “true leader for our times.”
“I deeply appreciate her service as governor,” Sheline said in a written statement. “Lewiston loves you.”
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows praises Mills, says she will back Platner
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat running for governor, praised Mills’ career Thursday, noting that the governor was Maine’s first female district attorney, attorney general and governor.
“She has blazed a trail that I have been grateful to walk,” said Bellows, who is Maine’s first female secretary of state.
“I, along with the nation, were inspired by her bravery when she told Trump she’d see him in court,” Bellows said, referring to a tiff Mills had with Trump last year over Maine’s policy allowing transgender athletes to participate in sports in a way that aligns with their gender identity.
Bellows said she will work with Platner to defeat Collins and “win big” in November.
Collins issues statement on Mills suspending campaign
Collins put out a short statement Thursday morning reacting to Mills’ announcement.
“I’m sure this was a difficult decision for Gov. Mills, and I thank her for her decades of service to the people of Maine,” Collins said.
Platner will speak on state of the race in Augusta and Lewiston
Platner will hold news conferences in Augusta at 11 a.m. and Lewiston at 3 p.m. to announce new endorsements and speak on the state of the Senate race now that Mills has dropped out.
The news conferences will be livestreamed on the campaign’s Facebook page. Maine Trust for Local News reporters will also be on the ground at both events to share updates.
Maine Republican Party jumps at opportunity to criticize Platner
The Maine Republican Party highlighted Collins’ role chairing the Senate Appropriations Committee in a news release Thursday, saying she “represents all Mainers and cares deeply for our state.”
“Option 2 is the racist, Nazi-sympathizing fake blue-collar Graham Platner, who is more concerned about promoting his dangerous ideologies than serving the hardworking people of Maine,” said Maine GOP Chairman Jim Deyermond.
Bobby Charles, Republican running for governor, hits Mills for ‘years of failed leadership’
Bobby Charles, a Republican running for governor, used Thursday’s announcement to criticize Mills and make his pitch for Republican leadership in Augusta.
“Janet Mills isn’t stepping aside because things are going well—she’s stepping aside because her record caught up with her,” Charles said in a written statement. “After years of failed leadership, rising costs, and declining public trust, the people of Maine were ready to hold her accountable.”
Charles highlighted declines in education outcomes and increases in cost of living under Mills as examples of where her administration has fallen short. He said there are “rising public safety concerns” in communities across Maine and that the government is “driven by far-left political priorities and pandering to the trans lobby rather than practical solutions.”
Republican National Committee attacks Platner, previewing general election
The RNC issued a statement Thursday morning on the Democratic primary, reaffirming their support for Sen. Susan Collins in November and criticizing her opponent, Graham Platner.
In the general election, Republicans are likely to highlight the tattoo Platner recently had covered up that resembled a Nazi symbol as well as his past history of making inflammatory comments on social media.
“In November Susan Collins, a proven leader with an indisputable record of delivering for Maine, will face a Nazi sympathizing self-proclaimed communist with a record of hate-mongering and dishonesty,” said RNC spokesperson Kristen Cianci. “It’s safe to say we are confident going into Election Day.”
National Democratic leaders react to Mills’ announcement
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kristen Gillibrand issued a statement shortly after Mills announced she would be leaving the race.
“Janet Mills is a formidable governor who has broken barriers and never hesitates to stand up to bullies to fight for Maine,” they said. “We are grateful for her hard-fought and principled campaign, and we respect her decision to continue her service to Maine as Governor.”
Schumer and Gillibrand said they will work with “presumptive nominee” Graham Platner to fight for a Senate majority.
“Democrats are dedicated to fighting back against the chaos of the Trump administration by defeating the Republicans who enable his harmful agenda and that includes Susan Collins,” they said.
National Republican Senatorial Committee blasts Platner
Predictably, the campaign arm of the U.S. Senate Republicans criticized Graham Platner, who’s almost certain to be the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.
“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,” said NRSC Chairman Tim Scott in a statement.
Nirav Shah, Democratic candidate for governor, endorses Platner
Moments after Mills’ announcement, Nirav Shah, a top contender in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, endorsed Platner.
“I’m proud to endorse @grahamformaine for US Senate. Mainers deserve a strong voice in DC, and Graham will be that. Defeating Susan Collins is vital to ending the Trump/GOP grip on Washington, and Graham is the one to do it,” he wrote on X.
