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Trump-backed Maine candidate wins right to challenge Rep. Jared Golden for U.S. House

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Trump-backed Maine candidate wins right to challenge Rep. Jared Golden for U.S. House


AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine’s state primary Tuesday set the stage for a race in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District that could help determine which party controls the U.S. House and Senate next year.

Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat who is running for his third term, will face Donald Trump-backed state Rep. Austin Theriault, R-Fort Kent, in the general election in November. 

In a deep red district that has twice voted for Trump, Golden is particularly vulnerable to a Republican challenge. The Cook Political Report has rated the 2nd district race as a toss up. It encompasses all of Maine except the southernmost areas.

Theriault, 30, is a former NASCAR driver who received endorsements from both Trump and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson. The day before the primary, Trump encouraged Mainers to vote for Theriault in a post on Truth Social. Theriault beat out state Rep. Michael Soboleski, R-Phillips, in the Republican primary Tuesday, 66.2% to 33.8%.

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“This the honor of my life – being selected by the people of the state that I love so much,” Theriault said in a post on X Tuesday night. “I deeply appreciate the support and want folks to know: I am running to fight for you. It’s time to put People over Politics.”

Golden, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan while in the Marines, publicly changed his views on gun laws after the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, in 2023. He remains a Second Amendment defender but now favors ending the sale of AR-15 style rifles.

Chellie Pingree to face Donald Russell

Maine’s 1st district, on the other hand, leans heavily Democratic. Veteran Donald C. Russell won the primary, advancing to the November general election to face Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Democrat who has served in Washington since 2009 and was unopposed in the primary.

Russell, who won the Republican primary against Andrew Piantidosi 56.1% to 43.9%, will have an uphill battle against the long-time congresswoman.

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Who will run against Angus King?

Republican Demi Kouzounas and Democrat David Allen Costello both won their respective primaries, running unopposed. 

They will be running against popular independent Sen. Angus King, who has represented Maine in the U.S. Senate since 2013. As an independent, he did not have a primary, instead qualifying for the ballot by petition with over 5,000 signatures.

Jason Cherry, an independent and political newcomer from Unity, will also be on the general election ballot in November.



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Maine

How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities

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How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities


BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Monday’s telethon held by WABI in partnership with Penquis and Heart of Maine United Way Monday raised money for the heating of homes, something so basic, yet so significant in a state like Maine.

Danielle Hewes, Penquis contributor and volunteer, says some people might not even know that they qualify for heating assistance.

“I think there’s this misconception that you can’t get that if you’re working. Like that’s just for people on general assistance. The truth of the matter is this is for the people that are maybe not able to work, but also for the people that are working. They’re making ends meet,” she said.

For Danielle, that’s what makes events like the telethon so special: it’s making a real difference in the community with people who need the help the most.

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Speaking about Penquis in particular, she said, “You learn about all of the other things they do and how they help the community and you can’t help but want to be a part of that.”

If you weren’t able to donate Monday, donations are still being accepted.

You can go to homeunitedway.org/heat.

You can also call 941-2800.

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Arizona Sen. Gallego endorses Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner

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Arizona Sen. Gallego endorses Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine Democrat Graham Platner has picked up another high-profile endorsement in his bid to flip a key Senate seat blue, marking another sign of the oyster farmer and combat veteran’s political resiliency even as he continues to face controversy throughout his campaign.

Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego announced Monday that he was backing Platner, saying that the first-time candidate “reflects the grit and independence that defines Maine.”

“Graham Platner is the kind of fighter Maine hasn’t seen in a long time, someone who tells you exactly what he thinks, doesn’t owe anything to the special interests, and wakes up every day thinking about working families,” said Gallego, who won a Senate seat in Arizona in 2024 by more than 2 points while Trump carried the state by nearly 6 points.

Platner has previously been endorsed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, and New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, a Democrat.

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However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has endorsed Platner’s main opponent, Maine Gov. Janet Mills.

Both Platner, 41, and Mills, 78, are hoping to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins, 73, a five-term incumbent who announced last month that she was running for another term. A victory in Maine is crucial for Democrats’ efforts to take back control of the Senate. The Democratic Party needs to net four seats to retake the Senate majority, and they are aiming to do that in Maine, North Carolina, Alaska and Ohio.

READ MORE: Maine’s Graham Platner thinks voters will overlook his past to support a new type of candidate

Platner has gained traction with his anti-establishment image and economic equality message. He’s pressed forward despite controversies over old social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he recently had covered up.

Gallego is among the Democrats named as possible 2028 presidential contenders. Last fall, he stumped in New Jersey, Virginia and Florida, where he campaigned for Democrats who went on to win their elections.

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“I have an immense amount of respect for him and I’m looking forward to joining him as a fellow Marine and combat infantryman in the U.S. Senate,” Platner said in a statement.

Kruesi reported from Providence, Rhode Island.

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Building Hope: A Community Film Event to End Homelessness

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Building Hope: A Community Film Event to End Homelessness


On March 2, Spurwink will join community partners for a special viewing of Building Hope: Ending Homelessness in Maine at the University of Southern Maine’s McGoldrick Hall.

Directed by Richard Kane and produced by Melody Lewis-Kane, the film shines a compassionate light on the realities of Maine’s homelessness crisis. Through deeply personal stories, Building Hope explores the challenges faced by unhoused individuals and families, while highlighting the hope that emerges when communities come together to create solutions. It’s been praised for its honesty, dignity, and inspiring message: change is possible when we work together.

Following the screening, a panel of local leaders and advocates will discuss the film and the ongoing effort in Maine to end homelessness. Panelists will include Katherine Rodney, Director of Spurwink’s Living Room Crisis Center; Cullen Ryan, Chief Strategic Officer at 3Rivers; Donna Wampole, Assistant Professor of Social Work at USM; and Preble Street staff. Catherine Ryder, Spurwink’s Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, will bring her expertise in trauma-informed care and community collaboration to the panel as the moderator.

This event is free and open to the public.

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McGoldrick Center, USM Portland campus


05:00 PM – 07:30 PM on Mon, 2 Mar 2026





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