Behind the scenes of Janet Mills’ US Senate campaign collapse

Key Points:

• Maine Governor Janet Mills dropped out of the U.S. Senate primary race, virtually guaranteeing a win for political newcomer Graham Platner, who quickly gained Democratic support against incumbent Senator Susan Collins.
• Mills entered the race late and faced challenges including internal party divisions, lack of strong financial backing from national Democrats, and a steady lead by Platner despite her campaign's attack ads targeting his controversial past Reddit posts.
• Platner, a Marine veteran and political newcomer, built momentum through grassroots campaigning and support from progressive groups dissatisfied with Mills, portraying his campaign as a movement against billionaire influence and political establishment.
• National Republicans quickly labeled Platner as an extreme candidate, while some Mills allies hoped his perceived unelectability would ultimately benefit Collins in the general election.
• Mills' withdrawal reflects a broader narrative of seasoned Maine politicians facing electoral challenges late in their careers, with observers expressing concern about the implications for the state's political future.