Mills Suggests She Remains an Option Amid Platner Controversy

Governor Janet Mills of Maine, who stepped away from the state’s Senate race last month, has indicated she might still be a choice for Democratic voters. This follows revelations surrounding Graham Platner, the presumed Democratic nominee, who faces backlash over sending sexually explicit texts to women outside his marriage.

In an interview with The Portland Press Herald, Mills clarified that she hasn’t completely withdrawn. “People believe I ‘withdrew’ or ‘dropped out,'” Mills stated. “I simply suspended active campaigning. I am still on the ballot.”

These comments were made to Steve Collins, a columnist for the state’s largest newspaper. This comes during a tumultuous time for Platner, a 41-year-old political newcomer and oyster farmer, who has gained support among progressives. His surge caused the 78-year-old Mills, a two-term governor, to exit the race in late April despite endorsements from Senator Chuck Schumer of New York.

The latest scandal involves Platner admitting to sending sexually explicit messages to up to six women since his marriage in 2023. This follows previous controversies involving a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he has since altered, and contentious old Reddit posts.

Platner’s text scandal has disrupted Democratic plans, threatening their goal to unseat Senator Susan Collins, a Republican with five terms who has maintained her seat even as Democratic presidential candidates won in Maine.

Maine remains the only state won by former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 with a competitive Senate race for a Republican-held seat. Winning in Maine is critical for Democrats aiming to gain control of the Senate in November’s elections. This shift requires retaining all Democratic-held seats and flipping at least four currently under Republican control.

Platner has harshly criticized the media reports by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times on his past actions. On Sunday, he condemned the reports as “journalistic malpractice,” urging a focus on political issues important to his movement.

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who supports Platner, expressed on Monday that addressing the challenges facing working families is more pressing than focusing on Platner’s personal matters. Sanders mentioned his understanding that Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, continues to support him, and wished them well.

Both Annie Karni and Katie Glueck contributed to the original reporting, with Reid J. Epstein providing coverage from Washington.