By Lauren McCauley | Editor
“There’s a lot of hype and expectation that Democrats are going to perform and have this huge wave this election cycle, and I don’t know — if I’m gonna make a prediction, I don’t think it’s gonna be that big.” - Carrie LeVan, a political scientist at Colby College on her doubts that predictions about the coming “blue wave” will equal the success of the Tea Party in 2010.
Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins speaks to reporters outside the Winthrop Police Department on Oct. 29, 2026. (Photo by Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)
ELECTION 2026
By Emma Davis
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins has made several local stops in her final days on the campaign trail before the Nov. 3 election, when she hopes to secure a sixth term. Meanwhile, her Democratic challenger, Troy Jackson, has spent his last days hosting public forums, events with high-profile national figures and press conferences highlighting Collins’ ties to President Donald Trump.
ELECTION 2026
By Eesha Pendharkar and Emma Davis
On the final day of early voting, Hannah Pingree campaigned in Portland with President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Alexis McGill Johnson to remind voters that their reproductive rights are on the ballot. In Kittery, Rick Bennett wrapped up his walking tour that he started in Fort Kent several months ago. And Bobby Charles held a forum in Auburn, inviting people who disagreed with him — including “Gen Z liberals” and “Somali immigrants” — to debate at the Auburn mall.
ELECTION 2026
By Kaitlyn Budion
The Maine Judicial Branch said a judge, clerk and marshal will be on duty at each courthouse to accept and act on any emergency filings.
ELECTION 2026
By Ashley Murray and Jonathan Shorman
When the polls close Tuesday night, the 2026 U.S. election will go down as one of history’s most expensive and extraordinarily ugly midterms — galvanizing record-breaking early voter turnout among a deeply divided electorate.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Federal subpoenas to election officials mark escalating Trump DOJ pressure campaign | Jonathan Shorman, States Newsroom
Federal judge rejects Trump administration attempt to pause Alaska’s US Senate election | James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
Election officials brace for federal interference but expect to persevere | Kevin Hardy, Stateline
Trump loses appeals over California ballots, Homeland Security operations | Jonathan Shorman, States Newsroom
Thanks for reading Top of the Morning. Did you know our weekend digest is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.