Despite being the majority party in the largest state in the country, California Democrats can barely manage to find a field of respectable gubernatorial candidates.

They easily brush away the Republicans year after year, consigning them to the sidelines in Sacramento, but may well be on the verge of bumbling away the governorship.

Take a look at — until last week — their top candidates: Eric Swalwell, who just dropped out of the race and resigned from Congress in disgrace after sexual assault allegations; Katie Porter, a former congresswoman who’s been accused of being abrasive toward her staff; and Tom Steyer, a billionaire climate change activist whose once ran for president for five minutes.

Maine Democrats are in a similar position. In the 2nd District, they have Matt Dunlap, the state auditor who failed the auditing exam; Joe Baldacci, whose biggest claim to fame is his last name; and Jordan Wood, a congressional staffer who’s never run for office before.

In the U.S. Senate race, they have a governor, Janet Mills, who’s older than the incumbent and hardly beloved; and Graham Platner, who’s never run for anything before and had to have his Nazi tattoo covered up. Meanwhile, the gubernatorial field for the Democrats features two children of well-known politicians, longtime legislators and a bureaucrat who’s never held elected office.

In both states, the majority party struggles to find reasonable, young, experienced up-
and-coming candidates without baggage, yet they have no trouble maintaining power. Part of that is due to the total ineptitude of the opposition. In both California and Maine, the GOP has proven terminally incapable of fielding serious candidates for high or statewide office. In Maine, only two Republicans have been elected statewide in the past 20 years: Susan Collins and Paul LePage.

Throughout her tenure as governor, Janet Mills has largely governed on a party-line basis, and Republicans in Augusta have been left as observers. Republicans haven’t even been effective as an opposition in Augusta: they haven’t put many of her bills (or her budgets) to a people’s veto, and they haven’t done everything they could to foil the majority party.

They’ve also rarely done much to negotiate and improve legislation, nor have there been many instances when Democrats have bucked their party to kill a bill. That environment isn’t one that naturally produces a lot of rising stars in either party. Mostly, it’s left to leadership — and they elected to run for governor, rather than the U.S. House or U.S. Senate.

Another reason for the lack of new voices or greater competition on the Democratic side is apathy. While the Democratic Party has a statewide machine that allows them to consistently remain in the majority, it’s built to retain control, not to encourage new voices. That means they don’t go out seeking new talent — especially in a state where they already have almost full control, and where those in the top offices tend to stay put.

This explains why they heavily recruited Gov. Janet Mills to run for the U.S. Senate: she seemed like a safe choice. The flip side of that machine, however, is that many young, ambitious Democrats who might have considered running were either actively dissuaded from doing so or simply saw the writing on the wall and decided to pass.

In the Senate race, the D.C. and Maine Democratic machines worked together to dissuade challengers. Platner simply ended up being the last man left standing. The same thing happened in the gubernatorial race, albeit with less direct discouragement.

Aspiring candidates saw the current field and most of them decided to take a pass. That left Angus S. King III as the closest candidate to an outsider in this race, and it’s hard to say that with a straight face.

A robust party machinery may help with winning elections to both the Legislature and major offices, but it doesn’t help build a future. We saw that with the sudden retirement of Jared Golden leaving Democrats with few viable options: they weren’t there because Democrats didn’t need to win in the 2nd District to maintain their legislative majorities.

The Republicans have this problem as well, with former Gov. Paul LePage being unchallenged in the congressional primary and Democratic incumbent Rep. Chellie Pingree facing only token opposition in the 1st District. The question for both parties is whether they innovate, as many of their supporters clearly hope, or continue to do the bare minimum. If they opt for the latter, we may be in for some interesting times in the years to come.

The results are in for the Maine Lottery’s draw games on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on April 16.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 16 drawing

Day: 1-0-8

Evening: 0-4-2

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 16 drawing

Day: 4-4-6-3

Evening: 4-9-7-9

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Gimme 5 numbers from April 16 drawing

13-15-24-25-28

Check Gimme 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 16 drawing

01-02-31-47-57, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Maine Lottery drawings held?

• Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
• Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
• Pick 3, 4: 1:10 p.m. (Day) and 6:50 p.m. (Evening) ET daily.
• Lucky For Life: 10:38 p.m. ET daily.
• Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
• Gimme 5: 6:59 p.m. ET on Monday through Friday.
• Cash Pop: 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. & 11:30 p.m. ET daily.
• Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Twelve undergraduates have been named 2026 Outstanding Graduating Students at the University of Maine.

Hamidah Aldarwish

College of Education and Human Development

Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relations

Hamidah Aldarwish of Dammam, Saudi Arabia is the Outstanding Graduating International Student for the College of Education and Human Development. Aldarwish arrived in Maine in 2019 with her family — her husband, Jafar, and their three girls who are now ages 11 to 15. Aldarwish completed her capstone internship at UMaine’s Children’s Center with a focus on the application of observational and developmental principles in early childhood settings, particularly related to children with diverse developmental needs, including autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. After graduation, Aldarwish plans to return to Saudi Arabia to work with families and children. 

A full profile of Aldarwish is online. 

Ella Boxall

Maine College of Engineering and Computing

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with Minors in Sustainability and Mathematics and a Concentration in Water Resources

Ella Boxall of Kennebunkport, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the Maine College of Engineering and Computing. She has completed internships with GEI Consultants and TRC Companies, conducted research using MATLAB to project sea level rise and king tides in Bar Harbor and served as a learning assistant and grader. Her capstone project focuses on redesigning a gravity-fed water system for a salmon rearing facility in Aroostook County, highlighting creative, low-energy engineering solutions. She plans to pursue graduate studies in marine science in the United Kingdom and build a career promoting coastal and environmental resilience.

A full profile of Boxall is available online. 

Dianne Brindisi

Division of Lifelong Learning

Bachelor of University Studies, Leadership Studies Track

Dianne Brindisi of Cape Neddick, Maine, is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the Division of Lifelong Learning at the University of Maine. Service has always been central to Brindisi’s life. From supporting families in need and mentoring young leaders to contributing to professional associations that advance women and industry standards, Brindisi believes leadership is inseparable from service. Looking ahead, she is committed to educating the public about the university studies program and sharing her positive experience and welcomes the opportunity to serve as a program ambassador. 

A full profile of Brindisi is online. 

Kate Evans

College of Education and Human Development

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a Second Major in Spanish

Kate Evans of Bangor, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the College of Education and Human Development. A single mom of four young children, whom she has homeschooled while working toward her degree, Evans earned a 4.00 GPA while pursuing double majors in secondary education and Spanish. She received the Roger Hill Humanities Scholarship and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Outstanding Junior Award. Evans is an active member of her church community, where she often volunteers her time for service and educational programs. After graduating she plans to stay in the Bangor region and teach Spanish at a local high school.

A full profile of Evans is online. 

Chantelle Flores

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Honors College

Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in Creative Writing

Bachelor of Arts in Art History with a Minor in Classical Studies

Chantelle Flores of Oakland, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She was a McGillicuddy Humanities Center (MHC) Undergraduate Fellow, as well as a Zillman Art Museum Research Curatorial Fellow through the center. Flores interned at the UMaine Writing Center and served as co-editor-in-chief of Spire magazine. After graduation, she plans to pursue an internship related to literature or the arts and apply for graduate programs for art history, with the ultimate goal of acquiring a Ph.D. in contemporary art history and becoming a professor.

A full profile of Flores is online. 

Zoe Furber

College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Marine Science with a Second Major in Biology with a Concentration in Marine Biology

Zoe Furber of Vancouver, British Columbia is the Outstanding Graduating International Student for the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. She has been a member of the UMaine Field Hockey team since 2022 and was appointed captain in 2025. During her time at UMaine, she completed a capstone project comparing ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Maine to heart rate metrics of blue mussels. These experiences prepared her for a career in environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability. Furber plans to complete a Master of Science in Global Strategy and Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh, where she will play field hockey for an additional year.

A full profile of Furber is online. 

Ruth Griffith

College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences | Honors College

Bachelor of Science in Economics with Minors in Mathematics and International Affairs

Ruth Griffith of Parkman, Maine, is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the Honors College and the 2026 UMaine valedictorian. She is majoring in economics with minors in mathematics and international affairs. Through her honors thesis, Griffith developed a method to analyze sub-county economic trends using regional data, helping illuminate how policies impact local communities across Maine. Drawing on her background in regional economics, she adapted tools used for markets to understand disparities. Beyond academics, she has led service initiatives such as the Maine Day Meal Packout, coordinating efforts that provide tens of thousands of meals statewide. She will launch her career at TD Bank in New York City after graduation and plans to one day pursue a Master of Business Administration.

A full profile of Griffith is online.

Sarah Johnson

Maine Business School

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting with a Second Major in Business Information Systems and Security Management

Sarah Johnson of Clifton, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the Maine Business School. Johnson has completed multiple internships with both the Maine Business School and BerryDunn, an accounting and consulting services firm. She has also worked as an undergraduate assistant for UMaine’s Office of Institutional Research and Assessment. These roles strengthened her professional skill set, including effective communication, adaptability, critical thinking and the ability to apply feedback constructively. They also prepared her to approach problems analytically and to collaborate effectively in a professional setting. Following graduation, she will launch her career at BerryDunn as a tax specialist.  

A full profile of Johnson is online. 

Jasper Makowski

College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences | Honors College

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

Jasper Makowski of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. He secured internships and part-time work with two medical facilities and UMaine’s Maginnis Lab. Working closely with associate professor of microbiology Melissa Maginnis, he researched signaling mechanisms in viruses and learned about a range of diseases. Makowski is a student organizer for the Maine Day Meal Packout. Outside of academics, he retreats to the Maine outdoors and enjoys a variety of activities, from backpacking to fly fishing. After he graduates, he is pursuing a medical degree with plans to return to rural Maine as a primary care provider. 

A full profile of Makowski is online. 

Andrii Obertas

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Physics

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Andrii Obertas of Lutsk, Ukraine, is the 2026 Outstanding Graduating International Student for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the 2026 UMaine co-salutatorian. Pursuing dual degrees in physics and mathematics, Obertas has distinguished himself through academic excellence and perseverance. He has conducted original research in both physics and mathematics, while also engaging in outreach efforts that bring science education to communities across Maine. His experience at UMaine has been shaped by a strong sense of community and opportunity, which he credits with providing hope for his future. After graduation, Obertas plans to pursue a master’s degree in mathematics through the accelerated 4+1 program.

A full profile of Obertas is online.

Samuel Tremblay

Maine Business School

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management

Samuel Tremblay of Quebec City is the Outstanding Graduating International Student for the Maine Business School. Tremblay is a tutor, mentor, Maine Business School ambassador and president of the UMaine chapter of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. He is also a kicker for the UMaine Football Team, through which he became a finalist for the Fred Mitchell Award, and a representative for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He served as a captain on Canada’s Junior National Team at the International Federation of American Football’s World Junior Championship. After graduation, he plans to stay at UMaine and pursue a master’s degree while continuing to play football.  

A full profile of Tremblay is online. 

Karun Varghese

Maine College of Engineering and Computing | Honors College

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering with a Minor in Robotics

Karun Varghese of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the Outstanding Graduating International Student in the Maine College of Engineering and Computing and the Honors College. Varghese assumed research roles in the Computer Vision and Autonomous Robotics Lab, the High Altitude Ballooning Lab and the Advanced Structures and Composites Center. Outside of academics, he participated in the Black Bear Robotics Club, the South Asian Association of Maine and Model United Nations. Through Model UN, he traveled internationally to Taiwan, the Philippines and Peru. After graduation, he will pursue graduate studies at Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute.

A full profile of Varghese is online. 

Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu