Although Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other establishment figures have lined up behind Maine Gov. Janet Mills, first-time candidate Graham Platner continues to pick up support.

Durbin’s announcement last year not to seek a sixth term was anticipated, but it led to a game of political music chairs, with a long roster of Democrats who had been quietly jockeying for his position free to jump into the spotlight.

Democrats face an uphill battle to capture the U.S. Senate in the November midterm elections, as Republicans are defending just two seats seen as competitive by nonpartisan analysts and hold a 53-47 majority.

Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ensuring the shutdown of the agency will drag on through this week as both sides dig in. Senators