Janet Mills drops out of Maine Senate race over funding issues ahead of Democratic primary

Janet Mills has suspended her campaign for the US Senate, stepping away from one of the Democrats most closely watched races ahead of the June primary in Maine.

Mills announced the decision on Thursday, citing financial difficulties despite strong backing from senior Democrats and progressive groups hoping to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins.

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“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 said in a statement.

“That is why today I have made the incredibly difficult decision to suspend my campaign for the United States Senate.”

The two-term governor entered the race last year and was viewed as a major Democratic recruit and also had support from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

However, Mills struggled to gain momentum against Democratic rival Graham Platner ahead of the 9 June primary.

Platner, a first-time candidate, remained competitive despite controversy surrounding past online comments and a tattoo reportedly linked to a Nazi symbol.