AUGUSTA – Janet Mills’ campaign for governor has received an early endorsement from Emily’s List, the national organization that promotes Democratic women running for political office.

The endorsement from Emily’s List could provide Mills – Maine’s attorney general and one of the perceived frontrunners in the crowded Democratic field for governor – with national exposure as well as the backing of an organization that spends heavily on campaigns. Emily’s List claims to have raised more than $500 million “to support pro-choice Democratic women candidates” running for governor, Congress and state legislative seats since 1985.

“Janet Mills has shown again and again that she will not back down when it comes to fighting for the people of Maine,” Stephanie Schriock, president of Emily’s List, said in a statement. “Whether it was taking on bad actors after the financial crisis or pursuing pharmaceutical companies that helped fuel the opioid crisis, Janet does what it takes to make sure working families get a fair shake. As governor, Janet will continue to be a champion for Maine’s families – and after eight years of Republican Governor Paul LePage, her leadership is sorely needed.”

The executive director of Emily’s List is Emily Cain, a former Maine House member from Orono.

More than a dozen people have filed paperwork with the Maine Ethics Commission declaring their candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor. That field is expected to thin considerably before Maine’s June 12th primary, however, as candidates fail to qualify for the ballot or struggle to raise money to support their campaigns.

Mills is running a privately funded campaign.