Beer brewer and short-lived Democratic Senate candidate Dan Kleban suspended his campaign on Tuesday, just 41 days after it began, and endorsed Gov. Janet Mills’s (D-Maine) newly announced bid to unseat Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).
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“Today, I am suspending my campaign for U.S. Senate and enthusiastically endorsing Gov. Janet Mills. I got in this race for the same reason I started Maine Beer Company–to ‘Do What’s Right.’ Gov. Mills is the right leader for this moment. Thank you to everyone who supported me, & I’ll continue to fight for this state I love,” said Kleban.
Kleban announced his decision on the same day Mills officially announced her candidacy. She responded with a social media post praising him and thanking him for the endorsement.
“I have great respect and admiration for Dan and am honored to earn his support. Dan and I share a deep love for this state and a commitment to solving the toughest problems facing Maine people. I’m proud to have Dan by my side as I stand up for Maine people,” said Mills.
Kleban, who founded the Maine Beer Company, announced his candidacy on September third but has not been widely considered a frontrunner. Former chief-of-staff to California progressive Democrat congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter, Jordan Wood, 36, is reportedly still a candidate though he’s been drawing relatively no attention since Platner entered the race in late August.
Gov. Mills, who chose to run after encouragement from Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), will likely face her most significant primary challenge from Graham Platner.
Platner’s campaign has drawn national attention and support from more radical Democrats who want a change from their party’s establishment.
Mills’ age, 77, could prove a significant factor in her campaign against Platner.
