One new candidate, Jordan Wood, has already announced a 2nd District run since U.S. Rep. Jared Golden dropped out of the race last week. State Sen. Joe Baldacci of Bangor confirmed he’s considering a run, too.
Elections
Maine Senate candidate Jordan Wood dropping out to run for 2nd District seat
Wood said he made the decision after learning Rep. Jared Golden won’t seek reelection, and said he believes the resources of his campaign would be better spent in the 2nd District.
Angus King’s son won’t join chorus of Democratic candidates criticizing shutdown compromise
While many Maine Democrats have been forceful in opposing the plan the independent senator helped negotiate, his son, Angus King III, a 2026 candidate for governor, issued a milder statement saying he has ‘had enough’ of the shutdown.
What Democratic wins last week tell us about Maine’s U.S. Senate race
Progressives and moderates both have cases to make as they battle for the party’s identity.
How a tattoo artist got involved in a Nazi symbol cover-up in the Maine US Senate race
When Graham Platner wanted to obscure a design recognized as a Nazi symbol, he went to Mischa Ostberg, a friend and Ellsworth tattoo artist.
Sanford police chief ends campaign for Chellie Pingree’s 1st District seat
Republican Eric Small said he wants to stay close to home and will be pivoting his campaign to run for a seat in the Maine Legislature.
Graham Platner hires progressive advocate as new campaign manager
Ben Chin, deputy director for the Maine People’s Alliance, joins a campaign that has hit some hurdles after a fast start.
Maine House speaker endorses Hannah Pingree in governor’s race
Ryan Fecteau says he is supporting Pingree in a crowded race that also includes several other prominent Democrats.
Golden’s decision to not seek reelection complicates Democrats’ 2026 plans
The announcement by Maine’s 2nd District congressman that he won’t seek a fifth term is likely to give a boost to Republican Paul LePage, although 2026 is also expected to be a good year for Democrats.
Another independent enters 2026 Maine governor’s race
Derek Levasseur ran in 2019 as a Republican challenger to U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, but dropped out before the primary election.