Maine has always understood something essential about democracy: that it works best when communities are strong, local decisions matter, and people have the tools to take care of themselves and one another. That spirit of self-reliance – quiet, practical, and grounded – has carried Maine through every chapter of our history. And it must continue to do so.

"It's one thing for Republicans to say let's lower the temperature," Bennett said. "And I agree. But maybe they should be telling that to the people they support in Washington."

Among them is State Sen. Rick Bennett, I-Oxford, who is also an independent candidate for governor. Bennett was joined by other lawmakers, Senators Rachel Talbot Ross and Nicole Grohoski and Rep. Nathan Carlow, and advocates marking the anniversary by criticizing the role of money in politics and urging reforms they said would reduce the influence of so-called dark money.

State Sen. Rick Bennett, an independent candidate for governor, is among those calling for a constitutional amendment to reverse Citizens United.

The proposal has backing across the aisle, with co-sponsors Rep. Jennifer Poirier (R- Skowhegan) and Sen. Rick Bennett (I-Oxford). Poirier, who started her career as a direct care worker, called the bill “an essential piece of legislation that will ensure individuals have the specialized support that they need now and for years to come.”

Maine Senator Rick Bennett, who is also a candidate for governor, is sponsoring this bill.

Organizations from across the state gathered in Augusta Tuesday for the annual Maine Nonprofit Day. The vent aims to bring nonprofit leaders to the state house to showcase the work and worth of Maine's nonprofit sector. 

2026 is an election year, and high-profile campaigns will be in the spotlight. Political reporters join us to offer their analysis of the race for governor, U.S. Senate and Maine’s two Congressional seats, as well as other political news in Maine.

Melcher said this is the type of year where an independent — he mentioned state Sen. Rick Bennett, a former Republican who dropped his party affiliation to run for governor — could break through.

It’s easy to find 10 Maine politicians to watch in this year of transition, but it’s hard to game out who will stand out — or be left standing — at the end of 2026

Matt Gagnon discusses the significant political landscape of Maine in 2026, highlighting the open gubernatorial seat, where both parties and independents like Rick Bennett are vying for the position.

Mainers deserve a leader who is focused on solutions, not sides.

At a weekend rally in support of Somali Americans, the state senator from Oxford impressed me.

Hundreds of people rallied in Lewiston on Saturday in support of the state's Somali community, a response to President Donald Trump's recent comments that Somali immigrants are "garbage" that he doesn't want in the country.

Maine independent gubernatorial candidate Rick Bennett talks about housing and political platform while attending winter festival in Farmington

The candidates’ positions on the president and his agenda will play a role in their campaigns, and foreshadow what the next administration in Maine will look like.

I’ve known Maine State Senator Rick Bennett — now an independent candidate for governor — since high school. His subsequent success has never surprised me. What has been gratifying is reconnecting decades later over a shared passion: strengthening American democracy.

Bennett can see through the two-party haze. That’s rare.

At a Thursday campaign event with former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, Maine Sen. Rick Bennett from Oxford denounced the two-party system, making the case for his independent bid for governor.

AUBURN, Maine — Some state lawmakers are calling on Gov. Janet Mills to call the Legislature into a special session next month to deal with the consequences of the ongoing federal government shutdown.