Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer faces escalating intraparty conflict after his preferred candidate to unseat Sen. Susan Collins withdrew from Maine's Democratic primary. The move leaves oyster farmer Graham Platner as the presumptive nominee over Gov. Janet Mills, a blow to party leadership.
Moderate Democrats fear that progressive candidates, particularly those with controversial baggage, could undermine efforts to flip key Senate seats. Progressives counter that party leaders rely on an outdated formula for determining electability, fueling anti-establishment campaigns nationwide.