Governor Janet Mills reaffirmed her presence on the Democratic primary ballot after withdrawing from the race last month. In an interview with the Portland Press Herald, she clarified she only suspended active campaigning, leaving voters another option as the party grapples with nominee turmoil.

The controversy centers on Graham Platner, the likely Democratic Senate candidate, whose admission of sending explicit texts to multiple women has reignited scrutiny. Platner, an oyster farmer with a surge of progressive support, also weathered earlier backlash over a Nazi‑style tattoo and incendiary Reddit posts.

Mills and former state official David Costello remain the only challengers to Platner in next week’s Democratic primary. The dispute threatens Democratic hopes of unseating Republican Sen. Susan Collins, a race critical to the party’s bid for Senate control in November. The primary outcome will shape Maine’s role in that national contest.