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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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This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

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This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak


Are you up for a Maine food challenge, or are your eyes bigger than your stomach?

A Waterville staple, Buen Apetito has a monster burrito just waiting for someone to eat it down to the very last bite.

This thing is a beast, literally called La Bestia, and it’s definitely a mighty task for a fearless foodie.

Take on the Buen Apetito La Bestia Food Challenge in Waterville, Maine

According to Buen Apetito, if you can finish a super-sized burrito in 30 minutes or less, you’ll get the $60 meal for free, a La Bestia champion shirt, and a picture on the wall of fame. That’s not to mention the bragging rights of dominating a task few will be able to conquer.

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Wondering what’s in the burrito?

The Mexican restaurant shared in a Facebook comment on a post that the burrito is filled with “grilled chicken, chorizo, and tender shredded beef or pork. Built on a layer of seasoned rice, refried beans, and French fries, it’s melted together with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and a drizzle of creamy cheese sauce, sautéed peppers and onions, green salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a bed of shredded lettuce all wrapped in three extra-large tortillas fused into one epic wrap.”

Let’s just say that this thing is packed full.

The first La Bestia contender took up his fork and knife in December 2025, but despite coming close, he couldn’t come out with the win.

As of March 2026, the challenge has remained undefeated. But you never know, someone is bound to come out victorious.

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Just note that you can only try your hand at this food challenge on Wednesday and Thursday.

Buen Apetito Has Been a Longstanding Waterville, Maine, Restaurant

First opened in 1999, Buen Apeitito has been around for nearly 30 years.

Centralmaine.com reported that the Mexican restaurant was originally located at the Railroad Square complex off Chaplin Street before moving to 99 West River Road in 2023.

A little over a year later, in 2024, Buen Apetito shared on Facebook that it was passing on the torch to new owners, including Dalia, “the heart and soul of [the] kitchen for twenty years,” her daughter, Norma, and Norma’s husband, Shawn.

READ MORE: Famous Maine Restaurant Buen Apetito Adds Powerhouse New Owner to Crew

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And it seems like not only are things still going strong, but new additions like La Bestia food challenge are only enhancing the spirit of big flavor and delicious Mexican food at the Waterville staple.

So, you think you’re up for the task of taking down a beast of a burrito at Buen Apetito? Good luck.

You Know You’re From Maine If You’ve Tried All 19 of These Foods

Here’s a number of foods associated with Maine. How many of them have you had?

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

The New York Time’s Best Restaurant Lists Feature These 7 Maine Spots

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

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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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