Maine Beer Co. cofounder Dan Kleban said Tuesday he is suspending his U.S. Senate campaign and endorsing Gov. Janet Mills after she joined the Democratic field seeking to unseat U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in 2026.
Kleban made the announcement Tuesday afternoon after Mills officially joined the race in the morning. It illustrated how the Democratic governor’s entry has instantly shaken up the primary field that features Sullivan oysterman Graham Platner and former Capitol Hill operative Jordan Wood of Bristol as the two other best-known candidates.
Kleban, who launched his campaign in September after Wood joined the race in April and Platner jumped in the field in August, said he “entered this race because I believe Washington needs more leaders who put people before politics and who will fight every day to make life better for Maine families.”
“While our message was right, the timing isn’t,” Kleban added. “Gov. Mills is the right leader for this moment and is in the best position to win.”
Wood and Platner have vowed to continue their campaigns. Mills made her expected entrance Tuesday following months of uncertainty and recruitment efforts from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and other national Democrats.
Mills said in a statement she was “honored” to receive Kleban’s endorsement.
“I am proud to have Dan by my side as we stand up for Maine people and fight for the future they deserve,” Mills said.
