Mills Drops Out, Platner Leads in Maine Senate Race

0:00On April 30th, Maine Governor Janet Mills dropped her Senate bid this week, clearing the path for challenger Graham Platner in the Democratic primary. Against Republican Susan Collins, at 78, Mills cited a lack of funds as the main reason after trailing the 41-year-old political newcomer in polls for months. Platner, a Marine Corps veteran and oyster farmer, exploded onto the scene last August with massive grassroots support. He raised $3 million in his first seven weeks, grabbing endorsements from Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and others, despite some past. Controversies, he has since disavowed. Voters and Maine seemed ready for fresh faces, even praising Mills as a solid two-term governor, but wanting younger energy after Joe Biden's exit last year. Her attacks on Platner's history didn't stick, and many failed her campaign fixated too much on Donald Trump, instead of a bigger vision. Now Platner leads Collins in early head-to-head polls, though the 73-year-old incumbent has won big before, like her 51-42.

1:02Percent victory in 2020. Her team just lost a $2 million ad blitz hitting Platner hard. This Maine race could be key for Democrats needing four flips to control the Senate, pitting a working-class outsider against the season-moderate end. What looks like one of the pricies battles this cycle? Global news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters worldwide. I'm Corey, with the story.