Maine Gov. Janet Mills on Thursday dropped her bid for the U.S. Senate just weeks before the Democratic primary in a race that reflected an internal party debate over how to win one of this year's most competitive Senate seats.

Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills suspended her campaign for Senate on Thursday, as her progressive challenger, oyster farmer Graham Platner, continued to lead in the polls and in fundraising. It’s a shocking fall off for the incumbent governor,

Departure of popular governor from contest clears way for progressive Graham Platner to take on Republican Susan Collins.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills announced Thursday that she is suspending her campaign for Senate after trailing military veteran and oyster farmer Graham Platner in the Democratic primary, citing a lack of financial resources.

Mills bowing out clears the way for Graham Platner to be the Democratic nominee in a general election against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R). Maine Gov. Janet Mills suspended her bid for Senate on Thursday,

Mills cited fundraising challenges as she cleared the path for Democrat Graham Platner to take on Sen. Susan Collins.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills suspended her Senate campaign on Thursday, acknowledging she lacked the financial resources to win. Why it matters: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) worked hard to convince Mills to jump into the race.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills' exit from the race all but assures Graham Platner will get the Democratic nomination to take on Sen. Susan Collins.