Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) has reminded voters that she remains on the Democratic Senate primary ballot despite suspending her campaign due to low fundraising, as controversy swirls around rival candidate Graham Platner over reports of extramarital communications.
"People have the impression that I 'withdrew' or 'dropped out,' but I simply suspended active campaigning. I am still on the ballot," Mills told Sun Journal columnist Steve Collins on Sunday ahead of the June 9 primary.
Before pausing her campaign, Mills secured endorsements from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and EMILY's List, among other groups. The governor is seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat being vacated by Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), who is not seeking reelection.
The race has been complicated by reports about Platner's personal conduct. A Wall Street Journal article detailed texts from Platner to women other than his wife, Amy Gertner, whom he married in 2023. According to the report, Gertner said in 2025 that she discovered messages between Platner and other women containing sexually explicit images.
What the Right Is Saying
Not all Democrats have abandoned Platner amid the controversy. Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) have continued to express support for his candidacy.
Sanders, who ran for president as a progressive standard-bearer, has not withdrawn his endorsement of Platner despite the reports. Murphy, known for his work on gun violence prevention and foreign policy, also remains supportive of the Maine candidate.
Republican groups have taken note of the Democratic primary turmoil but have not issued formal statements about the race. The GOP will likely field its own nominee in the general election regardless of which Democrat emerges from the June 9 primary.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive Democrats have offered varied responses to the developments. EMILY's List, which had endorsed Mills, has not issued a statement regarding Platner. Some House Democrats have been more direct.
"Don't vote for Graham Platner," one unnamed House Democrat told reporters, according to coverage of the controversy. The lawmaker pointed to Reddit posts made by Platner containing racist remarks that surfaced earlier in the campaign cycle.
Gertner defended her husband in a statement to the Wall Street Journal. "We did the hard work that marriage requires. We went to counseling. We were honest with each other in ways that weren't easy," she said, adding that their marriage is "stronger than ever before."
What the Numbers Show
Mills suspended her campaign citing insufficient funds to compete effectively, a significant factor in a statewide race where name recognition and advertising budgets can determine outcomes. Before suspending, she had accumulated key endorsements that remain valid regardless of her current campaign status.
Platner has faced multiple controversies during the primary cycle, including the racist Reddit posts—which prompted shock from EMILY's List—along with reports about his personal communications. He also recently removed a tattoo that resembled a Nazi totenkopf symbol, according to reporting on the race.
Maine uses ranked-choice voting for primaries and general elections, which means multiple candidates can remain viable even as some suspend active campaigning. Voters who select Mills as their first choice could still have their votes count toward other candidates if she is eliminated.
The Bottom Line
The June 9 Democratic primary will proceed with both Mills and Platner on the ballot despite their different circumstances—Mills actively suspended, Platner continuing amid personal controversy. Gertner's public defense of her husband may insulate some support among Democrats who view marital struggles as private matters distinct from fitness for office.
Republicans are likely watching to see which candidate emerges damaged or strengthened by the final weeks of the primary contest. The winner will face whoever the GOP nominates in November's general election for King's open seat.