Randy Billings

Staff Writer

Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.

Local & State, News

Portland police still issuing marijuana citations, despite legalization ordinance

by Randy Billings November 9, 2015November 9, 2015

The report comes as debate is heating up statewide and nationally about the merits of legalizing pot for recreational use.

Local & State, News, Politics

Election brings new faces, more diversity to Portland City Council

by Randy Billings November 9, 2015November 8, 2015

Six of the nine councilors are newcomers or serving their first terms, and for the first time in recent memory, none lives on Munjoy Hill or in the West End.

Local & State, News, Politics

Takeaway in Portland mayor’s race: City Council strikes back

by Randy Billings November 9, 2015November 9, 2015

By endorsing Michael Brennan’s challenger, councilors sent a message that mayors should listen to and speak for them, not mostly pursue their own initiatives.

Business, Local & State, Local Elections, News

Off-peninsula voters sealed fate of Portland’s minimum wage proposal

by Randy Billings November 5, 2015January 4, 2016

Opponents in neighborhoods like North Deering, Riverton and Libbytown outnumbered supporters downtown in the East and West ends

Local & State, Local Elections, News, Politics

After decisive win, Ethan Strimling prepares to be Portland mayor

by Randy Billings November 4, 2015January 4, 2016

The mayor-elect does a round of morning interviews, meets with City Manager Jon Jennings and starts setting his agenda.

Local & State, Local Elections, News, Politics

Brennan unseated by Strimling after one term as Portland mayor

by Randy Billings November 3, 2015January 4, 2016

Ethan Strimling, who lost the 2011 mayoral race to Michael Brennan, wins a three-way race by nearly 2,300 votes and gets the majority vote needed to avoid an instant runoff.