News

Mainers hit the polls to vote in primaries for governor and Congress

Mainers hit the polls to vote in primaries for governor and Congress

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio, Associated Press


Maine voters are deciding who will appear on the ballot in November for several key races.

Graham Platner is the presumptive Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, but some voters are still casting their ballot for Gov. Janet Mills, who ended her campaign but is still on the ballot.

Platner has faced a string of controversies, including recent reporting in the New York Times claiming he mistreated several women he’s dated in the past.

Platner, who has denied any claims of abuse, has maintained a lead in recent polling.

Some progressive Democratic voters said that while the recent scandals are concerning, they still support Platner’s agenda, which calls for higher taxes on billionaires.

The winner of the primary will face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November.

Meanwhile, there are five Democratic candidates vying for the nomination in the governor’s race.

Recent polling shows Nirav Shah and Troy Jackson tied for the lead in that primary, followed by Shenna Bellows, Hannah Pingree and Angus King III.

Polling among Republican candidates shows Bobby Charles with a big lead, followed by a surging Jonathan Bush, while Ben Midgley was third in the latest polling.

Former Gov. Paul LePage is the sole Republican running in the primary for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District.

Democratic Congressman Jared Golden is not seeking re-election in the 2nd District.

In the Democratic primary for the district, Joe Baldacci was ahead in recent polling, followed by Matt Dunlap and Jordan Wood.

Polls close tonight at 8 p.m.

Latest Headlines

2 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

The best movies of 2026 so far, from ‘Project Hail Mary’ to ‘Rose of Nevada’

It's been a curiously seesawing first six months. The movies have been dominated as much by 26-year-old YouTuber-turned-filmmaker Curry Barker as they have 79-year-old Steven Spielberg.

2 hours ago in Local

Man accused of “cloning” Mainers’ EBT cards to steal thousands in benefits

A man has been charged in Maine after a months-long investigation into $100,000 in stolen EBT benefits.

3 hours ago in Local

Firefighter injured in Searsmont mill fire and explosion to be released from hospital

A firefighter injured in the deadly explosion at a Searsmont lumber mill is finally heading home.

9 hours ago in Sports, Trending

U.S. beats Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 to advance to round of 16 and keep its World Cup dreams alive

Malik Tillman stepped up for a free kick with a bloody sock and a new right boot after being stepped on by an opponent as the United States scrambled to protect a one-goal lead, down a man in a World Cup knockout round.

23 hours ago in Local

Two Injured in Windham Crash

The crash took place at about 11:10 am Wednesday.