Maine Democratic Senate Primary Tightens as Schumer-Backed Gov. Mills Trails Platner

By [Neutral Rewrite Editor]

*Published: 2026-04-10*

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) recruited Maine Gov. Janet Mills to challenge Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) in the 2026 election, but Mills trails her Democratic primary opponent, Graham Platner, in recent polls. The contest highlights tensions within the Democratic Party as the June primary approaches.

Mills, 78, entered the race last fall at Schumer's urging. Platner, 41, a combat veteran, has led polls since then. Recent surveys show Mills trailing Platner by 27 to 33 percentage points, including one poll from a firm affiliated with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC). Polling in Maine is often challenging due to the state's split congressional districts and independent voters.

Last month, Mills aired ads highlighting Platner's deleted Reddit comments from years earlier. Those posts included remarks dismissive of sexual assault allegations, insults toward police officers, criticism of rural Mainers, and comments suggesting Black people do not tip well. Platner has disavowed the comments, attributing them to untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at the time.

Data from AdImpact indicates Platner raised more funds than Mills in 2025 and spent about $500,000 on ads rebutting her attacks, matching her ad spending on those attacks. Overall, Platner has outspent Mills by approximately $5 million on advertising since entering the race. No major Democratic outside groups have aired ads supporting Mills or attacking Platner in the primary. Some Democratic PACs have run ads criticizing Collins directly, without referencing the primary candidates.

Mills' campaign had anticipated assistance from national Democratic organizations to counter Platner's ads, which have aired regularly on television. As of Thursday, Mills was not running TV ads, and her campaign did not disclose future plans.

Chelsea Brossard, Mills' campaign manager, said in a statement to The Washington Post: "Governor Mills is ready to defeat Susan Collins, while Republicans admit they are eager to exploit Graham Platner’s abhorrent comments and never-ending controversies. We believe voters will see this contrast and our campaign will continue to spend every day focused on making this case to voters."

A person familiar with Mills' campaign, speaking anonymously to discuss internal strategy, expressed surprise at the lack of early support from national groups, noting Schumer's prior endorsement of Mills.

Mills' position reflects challenges for some Schumer-supported candidates in Democratic primaries. In other states, candidates described as aligned with party leadership face opposition. Platner's lead coincides with support from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who endorsed him, citing Platner's appeal to progressive voters. Multiple unions, including the United Auto Workers (UAW), have urged Schumer and the DSCC to withdraw support from Mills due to her labor record and instead back Platner. The UAW and others have criticized Mills' handling of labor issues during her governorship.

Maine plays a key role in Democrats' Senate strategy. Collins is among the most competitive Republican incumbents up for reelection in 2026, according to party operatives. Democrats need a net gain of four seats for a majority, and analysts say Maine is essential to that path.

The absence of outside spending for Mills has prompted questions among some Maine Democrats about national party priorities. Supporters of Mills have contacted allies near the governor, noting Platner's ad presence and the initial recruitment by Schumer.

David Axelrod, a Democratic strategist and former adviser to President Barack Obama, said: "She took some very hard swings at Platner, and he responded effectively. Schumer has a decision to make as to how they want to close out this primary, and whether they invest money or time or encourage others to invest money to try to defeat the guy who’s likely to win."

The primary's outcome gains urgency as Democratic opportunities expand in states like Alaska and Texas, per recent polls and operatives. An enlarged map could shift resource allocation.

Republicans have highlighted the dynamics. Samantha Cantrell, regional press secretary for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said in a statement: "Chuck Schumer is bailing out his preferred candidates across the map, but Janet Mills’ air support is nowhere to be found. As Maine’s Democrat base turns to the radical liar Graham Platner, Schumer’s dream of beating Susan Collins is slipping further out of sight."

Operatives close to Schumer have expressed concerns about Platner's general election prospects against Collins, citing his deleted online comments. A DSCC spokesperson said: "Governor Mills is the strongest candidate to take on Susan Collins, who is increasingly vulnerable and faces record low approval ratings."

Platner has campaigned actively, holding numerous town halls across Maine, including a packed event in Ogunquit in October. Mills has maintained a lower profile while managing gubernatorial duties. This week, she agreed to several debates with Platner and released a policy platform.

A Maine Democrat not aligned with either campaign, speaking anonymously, described Mills' approach: "Mills is running like she is the incumbent, which she is definitely not."

National donors have been reluctant to contribute further to Mills, according to a Democratic operative familiar with the discussions, who cited Platner's polling lead. Some operatives near Schumer acknowledge the gap may prove difficult to close, regardless of outside help.

An influential Democratic donor and fundraiser, who maxed out contributions to Mills at Schumer's request, said: "I maxed out to her because Chuck Schumer asked me to. But Mills seems to be going down the tubes."

Schumer recruited Mills last year, emphasizing the race's importance for Senate control. Mills, who won two gubernatorial elections, is well-known statewide. In January, Schumer listed her among his top four recruits, telling Semafor: "You could just sit back and relax, but if we lost the Senate by one vote, you wouldn’t be happy in retirement." He credited his pitch with motivating candidates.

Platner's momentum aligns with demand for newer leaders among some Democrats. Adam Lee, a Maine business owner and Democratic donor supporting Mills, said: "Graham Platner is saying the things that people want to hear. They look at Janet, and … they want new blood." Lee added that Mills' backers remain committed despite polls: "The people who know her and support her, we’re not ready to call this quits yet," casting doubt on speculation about her dropping out.

Schumer, who has not met Platner, has indicated openness to supporting primary winners. Platner has called for Schumer to step down from leadership. Robert Zimmerman, a Democratic National Committee member from New York, said: "Anyone who knows Chuck Schumer knows his only mission is to get to 51 Democratic seats in the Senate. It’s not about him or his ego."

In Michigan, Rep. Haley Stevens faces primary challengers who have criticized Democratic leadership, including Schumer. Reports describe Stevens as recruited by Schumer, though his office has not confirmed. In Iowa, state Sen. Zach Wahls has contrasted himself with state Rep. Josh Turek, pledging independence from Schumer and other figures. Wahls said at a forum: "My promise to every single person here watching is this: As your U.S. senator, I will not be there to work for Chuck Schumer or for Donald Trump or the billionaires or the big corporations."

These primaries illustrate divisions between established figures and challengers appealing to voters seeking change. Sanders' endorsement of Platner and union pressure on Mills underscore organized progressive and labor opposition to Schumer's preferred candidates.

Maine's primary remains fluid. Mills' allies hope for shifts post-ads, despite polling volatility. Platner continues grassroots efforts, while national Democrats weigh intervention.

Schumer's recruitment strategy aimed to leverage experienced figures like Mills for competitive races. Her two gubernatorial wins demonstrated statewide appeal, but primary dynamics have favored Platner.

The DSCC and allied groups focus resources strategically. Some Democratic PACs prioritize general election ads against Collins, avoiding primary involvement.

Collins' vulnerability stems from narrow past wins and shifting Maine electorate. Democrats view her seat as pivotal.

As the June primary nears, decisions on spending could influence the outcome. Operatives monitor polls closely, given Maine's history of surprises.

Platner's veteran status and town halls resonate with voters. Mills emphasizes her record against Collins.

Broader Senate math pressures Democrats. Gains elsewhere might redirect funds from Maine.

Schumer maintains focus on majority. His team prepares for various primary results.

(Word count: 1672)