By Lauren McCauley | Editor
“This debate here, if you want to call it that, is exactly why we need independent leadership again in this state.” - Rick Bennett, the independent gubernatorial candidate criticizing his challengers during the third debate Tuesday night.
Republican gubernatorial nominee Bobby Charles with supporters at a Sept. 23 town hall in Lewiston. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/Maine Morning Star)
ELECTION 2026
By Eesha Pendharkar
A political action committee registered to support Republican gubernatorial nominee Bobby Charles has spent more than $140,000 to bolster one of his competitors: independent Rick Bennett.
The Maine Democratic Party is pointing to that spending as evidence that Charles is running a disingenuous campaign, further bolstered by what they described as the Republican’s shifting position on President Donald Trump as well as his refusal to release his full financial disclosures.
ELECTION 2026
By Emma Davis
During their second to last debate Tuesday night, incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic nominee Troy Jackson continued to make the case that their approach to a Donald Trump presidency would be best for Maine.
ELECTION 2026
By Eesha Pendharkar
During the hourlong conversation hosted by WGME, Republican Bobby Charles repeatedly accused what he dubbed the “Mills-Pingree administration” for worsening every challenge he was asked about. Hannah Pingree, a Democrat, pushed back by attributing Mainers’ hardships to a lack of affordability due to President Donald Trump’s policies.
The finger-pointing resulted in a less substantive debate than the candidates’ previous appearances.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Harpswell eighth grader to compete in civics bee championship in nation’s capital| Shauneen Miranda, States Newsroom
Trump immigration policies could turn away much-needed foreign doctors, critics say | Shalina Chatlani, Stateline
Trump pressed states for info on millions of voters in the midterms. It’s mostly failed. | Jonathan Shorman, States Newsroom
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