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What You Need to Know
LOOKING AHEAD TO NOVEMBER
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Get to know the candidates for governor
Republican primary candidates: May 11
Democratic primary candidates: May 12
Maine Public and the Portland Press Herald are airing two special episodes, featuring primary candidates for Maine governor. Interviews air at 7 p.m. on Maine Public Television and Maine Public Radio.
Watch our primary debates
U.S. House 1st District Republicans: May 21
U.S. House 2nd District Democrats: May 28
All of our debates start at 7 p.m and will be live streamed on our sites. Sign up to get a reminder about the debate stream schedule.
Early primary voting
Voting begins: May 11
• In person: Find more about polling locations through your municipal clerk.
• By mail or dropbox: You can request an absentee ballot before June 4. Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. June 9.
Election Day
Primary election: June 9
General election: Nov. 3
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your polling location here and bookmark this page for live results on election night.
The Races We're Watching
MAINE GOVERNOR
Another independent enters 2026 Maine governor’s race
Derek Levasseur ran in 2019 as a Republican challenger to U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, but dropped out before the primary election.
GETTING INTO THE ISSUES
- Democratic candidates for Maine governor discuss reforming health care
- Where Maine’s candidates for governor fall on tribal sovereignty
- 4 takeaways from debate between Republicans running for Maine governor
- Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate at forum by and for young Mainers
- 3 takeaways from governor candidates at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum
- 10 Maine governor candidates talk education at Portland schools forum
U.S. SENATE
Opposition research isn’t new. Here’s how it’s affecting Maine’s U.S. Senate race.
Disclosures of past online comments made by Graham Platner are part of a well-known political playbook, highlighting the risk young outsiders face when seeking public office.
U.S. HOUSE • DISTRICT 2
Graham Platner hires progressive advocate as new campaign manager
Ben Chin, deputy director for the Maine People’s Alliance, joins a campaign that has hit some hurdles after a fast start.



MORE COVERAGE
Maine House speaker endorses Hannah Pingree in governor’s race
Golden’s decision to not seek reelection complicates Democrats’ 2026 plans
South Berwick lawmaker will challenge Chellie Pingree in 2026 Democratic primary