By Lauren McCauley | Editor

“I think that Congress does need to keep reasserting itself. But I think our democracy will be just fine.” - U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, when asked during Thursday’s debate her thoughts on the state of democracy in America.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and her Democratic challenge, Troy Jackson, met in Bangor for their fourth and final debate on Oct. 15. (Screenshot courtesy of Maine Public/ News Center Maine)

ELECTION 2026

By Emma Davis

Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic nominee Troy Jackson offered new insight on how they view the state of American democracy, gun rights, campaign finance and more during their final debate on Thursday. 

ELECTION

By Kaitlyn Budion

During their second and final debate appearance Thursday evening, Democrat Matt Dunlap and Republican Paul LePage resurrected many of the same disagreements from their initial debate, digging further into each other’s record in state government. 

COMMENTARY

By Lauren McCauley

Each election cycle, the torrent of dark money flowing into Maine gets more and more unwieldy. And all these millions ultimately do is pay for more ads to drown out competitors, overwhelming voters so our leaders can continue to make decisions that donors hope will benefit them.  

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