24 DAILY NEWS – The Democratic Party’s selection for Maine senator, Governor Janet Mills, suspended her candidacy on Thursday, citing insufficient financial resources to continue her campaign. Mills, who was initially viewed as the establishment favorite, exited the race less than six weeks before the June primary, paving the way for populist candidate Graham Platner, now the presumed nominee, to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November general election. This decision has reignited criticisms regarding the Democratic establishment’s efforts to suppress progressive candidates.
“The Democratic establishment — particularly its entrenched Senate leadership — is witnessing firsthand that they are disconnected from the priorities of Democratic primary voters,” remarked Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, an organization focused on recruiting young progressive candidates. “The establishment no longer possesses the influence or trust it once had.”
As Mills, 78, concluded her campaign, party leaders seemed to shift their stance on Platner. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who had earlier endorsed Mills, issued a statement
