By Lauren McCauley| Editor
“This energy that Graham tapped into and the policies he was talking about, similar to my old boss, existed before he became a thing.” - Ronnie Cho, who organized for former President Barack Obama in Maine and is now advising People Powered Maine.
Also, in the latest episode of Stories from the States, States Newsroom’s weekly podcast, Maine Morning Star reporter Kaitlyn Budion discusses the concerns of local conservationists who think the rollback of the roadless rule would hurt one of the few unbroken stretches of wilderness in New England.
People Powered Maine volunteers convene in a converted barn in Cumberland after door knocking on Oct. 3, 2026. (Photo By Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)
ELECTION 2026
By Emma Davis
Graham Platner’s candidacy for U.S. Senate ended in July, but the grassroots organizing he energized has not. Now operating as an independent nonprofit known as People Powered Maine, his former volunteers are still pushing for change outside the two party system.
ELECTION 2026
By Eesha Pendharkar
During the hourlong conversation hosted by WGME, Bobby Charles repeatedly accused what he dubbed the “Mills-Pingree administration” for worsening every challenge he was asked about. Democrat Hannah Pingree pushed back by attributing Mainers’ hardships to a lack of affordability due to President Donald Trump’s policies.
ELECTION 2026
By Emma Davis
The debate, hosted jointly by the Portland Press Herald, Maine Public and NEWSCENTER Maine at Gracie Theatre in Bangor, was the fourth in two weeks and the only that included questions submitted directly from voters, in addition to moderator questions.
OTHER TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
Editorial: Mainers are tired of dark money and the seemingly endless horse race | Lauren McCauley
Dunlap and LePage continue campaign quarrels in final debate | Kaitlyn Budion
In Maine’s 1st District, Pingree and Russell square off again | Kaitlyn Budion
The next act for the No Kings movement: Early voting in the midterms | Ashley Murray, States Newsroom
Democrats aiming for control of Congress vow action on healthcare, cost of living, Iran war | States Newsroom
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