AUGUSTA – Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is withdrawing from her campaign for U.S. Senate.

Bellows made the announcement Sunday morning in a statement.

“Donald Trump's attacks on our democracy are only accelerating, and the best way that I can serve our state and country at this moment is by focusing exclusively on my role as Secretary of State,” Bellows wrote.

Bellows’ announcement comes amid a flurry of caucuses happening this weekend throughout the state to select a Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate.

There were 13 candidates vying for the nomination before Bellows’ announcement. The nominee will challenge Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) who is running for re-election this fall.

The caucuses are in response to oyster farmer Graham Platner dropping out of the race amid allegations of sexual misconduct.