By Lauren McCauley | Editor
“I’m encouraged by people who are truly independent, but I’m discouraged by people who are just you know shedding the label of the parties to run. I would like to see more actual independence.” - Sharon Frost, the only independent incumbent running for Maine Legislature on the influx of other unenrolled candidates in this year’s election.
Senate District 20, where Republican incumbent Bruce Bickford is being challenged by Democrat Michael Scott, has seen the most outside spending of any legislative race, with more than $392,000 spent by PACs so far this year. (Photo by Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)
ELECTION 2026
By Kaitlyn Budion
According to data from the Maine Ethics Commission as of Thursday, Oct. 29, outside groups spent roughly $4.6 million in state races. And hanging in the balance is which party will claim a majority in Augusta for the new legislative session.
ELECTION 2026
By Emma Davis
Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic nominee Troy Jackson have sparred over healthcare during debates and on the airwaves. At the center of many of their arguments is President Donald Trump’s signature spending package, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which is expected to slash Medicaid funding in Maine and across the country.
ELECTION 2026
By Eesha Pendharkar
Across the state, there are 26 unenrolled candidates for Maine Legislature— 19 vying for the House and seven for Senate. That is the highest number of independent candidates running in a decade, according to previous years’ of election data.
ELECTION 2026
By Emma Davis
Depending on where voters live, they may be able to weigh in on several municipal or county-wide ballot questions, including on lot rent stabilization, restrictions on syringe service programs and bans on data centers and Flock cameras.
OTHER TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
Trump administration has slow-walked 380K potential immigrant voters | Tim Henderson, Stateline
Heating oil now 82% more expensive than this time last year | Kaitlyn Budion
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