Democrat Paige Loud ended her bid for her party’s Senate nomination on Thursday, calling the process to replace Platner “a deeply unserious spectacle,” and urging her supporters to fight alongside the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

“While I believe it is of the utmost importance that we put forth a nominee who most exemplifies the message and platform that energized over 150,000 Mainers in June, I can no longer participate in a process that has now turned into a deeply unserious spectacle,” said Loud.

Loud ran an unsuccessful campaign in the Democratic primary for Maine’s Second Congressional District seat, and joined the slew of Democrats announcing their candidacy for Senate after Platner’s ignominious withdrawal.

In her lengthy statement, Loud took aim at the planned Democratic caucus, which will allow just over 601 delegates to decide on Platner’s replacement.

She claimed that the resources she would need to expend on campaigning would be better used trying to force ICE out of Maine.

“Instead of speaking to communities, demonstrating a comprehensive grasp on federal policy, and earning the trust of the electorate, candidates must play a political chess match to strategically pack as many pledged supporters into a voting body of only 601,” said Loud.

“This is not a game I’m willing to play, and I can no longer in good conscience put forth energy and resources toward it that I should otherwise spend on immediate issues like getting ICE out of Maine and securing healthcare for all,” she added.

She argued that the “path to collective liberation” should be carried out by a grassroots team of working-class and poor people, and she urged her supporters to join or found organizations that push for “a system of change.”

Loud also used the withdrawal to endorse the DSA, and signed off with the same “Fuck ICE and Free Palestine” message that Platner used in his official withdrawal letter.

“You may not see me on the debate stage or on a ballot any time soon, but you can join me in continuing this fight with my fellow comrades in the Democratic Socialists of America,” she said.

Loud’s withdrawal came the same day she was set to appear on stage for a Democratic Senate debate hosted by NewsCenter Maine.

Initially, the debate was only going to include four candidates, but the field was expanded to eight, including Loud, after the station faced backlash.