With the highly consequential 2026 elections on the horizon, partisan tensions will likely dominate the next legislative session.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Maine suspends payments to Portland health care provider accused of fraud
The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is also seeking financial information about Gateway Community Services as part of its investigation into suspected fraud in Minnesota.
Gov. Janet Mills will allow ghost gun regulations to become law in Maine
A spokesperson said the governor believes the bill requiring serial numbers on homemade firearms is ‘an appropriate update to Maine law.’
Maine’s U.S. Senate race is the 4th most expensive in the nation
The surge in early spending shows the importance of the seat, currently held by Republican Susan Collins, in determining control of the Senate.
Donald Trump backs former Maine Gov. Paul LePage for U.S. Congress
Trump said in a social media post that the two-term governor who once described himself as ‘Donald Trump Before Donald Trump’ would be a ‘tremendous Congressman.’
How Graham Platner’s complicated past shapes his run for U.S. Senate
A war is being waged to define the combat veteran, oyster farmer and U.S. Senate candidate from Sullivan.
Shenna Bellows asks judge to dismiss Trump lawsuit over Maine voter rolls
The state’s motion to dismiss says the Trump administration has not said why it wants voters’ personal information.
Former SpaceX engineer ends longshot bid for US Senate in Maine
Phillip Rench, a political newcomer from Waterboro, faced an uphill battle as an independent against Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Democrats, including Gov. Janet Mills and Graham Platner.
Janet Mills leads Graham Platner in Maine’s U.S. Senate primary, new poll says
The Pan Atlantic Research poll, conducted from Nov. 29 to Dec. 7, highlights an unsettled Democratic primary battle.
Maine increases revenue projections by $250 million over next 2 years
Billy Bob Faulkingham, the Republican leader of the House, says the new forecast is the result of ‘higher taxes and bloated government.’