Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) urged Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) to stay out of the 2026 senate race in the Pine Tree State, arguing that it would force a heavy spending lift for candidates in an "unnecessary and divisive primary.”

Sanders, who caucuses with Democrats, instead endorsed Graham Platner, a Marine Corps and Army veteran who served in four tours overseas. The Associated Press reported Friday that the governor will enter the race to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

“Graham Platner is a great working class candidate for Senate in Maine who will defeat Susan Collins,” Sanders wrote in a statement on the social platform X.

“It’s disappointing that some Democratic leaders are........

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