Maine
Welcome to the Maine state page! Here, Maine organizers can access and document ongoing projects, current leadership positions, upcoming races, and other important information. This list is non-exhaustive, and state teams are encouraged to expand and adapt these pages to their organizing needs.
Political Landscape of Maine
Partisan Composition of Maine
Overall, Maine is considered a slightly blue state, with a Cook PVI of D+2 as of 2022, regularly voting 50-55% Democrat in statewide races. Maine has a split US Senate delegation, with one Independent who caucuses with Democrats and one Republican. Both their US House seats and governorship are held by Democrats. Democrats also hold majorities in the state house (80-68-2 Independents) and state senate (22-13), as of 2/8/24, giving Democrats a state trifecta.
Progressive Outlook for Maine
The overall progressive strategy for Maine is hopeful. Progressives have a chance to enact change here with a state trifecta, and growth can be afforded. The focus should be on keeping Maine blue and primarying out uncooperative Democrats. As Maine is a closed primary state, it is recommended to register with whichever party you wish to participate in the primaries of. It should also be noted that Maine uses ranked-choice voting, so third party candidates are more viable than they would be in other states. Since ranked-choice general elections only apply to federal seats and the governorship, all being hotly contested by both major parties, it is unlikely.
Get Involved
Register to Vote in Maine
Progressive Organizations in Maine
Below is a list of progressive organizations in Maine. If you see a state organization that isn't on this list, please add it.
- Maine Democrats: As Maine is a swing state with a history of electing moderates in statewide races, the state's Democratic party will probably be your best chance to leave a progressive footprint and ensure more progressives are winning the primaries.
Notable Campaigns in 2024
Below is a list of progressive candidates or ballot measures in the 2024 election cycle for Maine. Non-progressive candidates may also be placed here if they are substantially to the left of their district's partisan lean and worth campaigning for. If you see a candidate or ballot measure that should be on this list, please add them.
November 5th General Election
NOTE: While Maine uses ranked-choice voting for general elections to federal seats (US Senate, US House and governor), Maine does not use ranked-choice voting in general elections for state seats (state house, state senate) This led to, for instance, a Republican winning against two Independent candidates in Maine State House Seat 47 in 2022 despite only possessing a plurality of the vote.
- Jared Golden for US House ME-2: Though he is certainly not progressive, his house district voted for Trump by double digits and he is the only person in ME-2 who can hold this seat for Democrats. In 2022, Golden won by several percent because he was facing off against a very unpopular challenger (someone who contested his race when he lost claiming RCV was unconstitutional). He's facing a much stronger candidate this time, so he could certainly use your support this election cycle.
Run for Local Office
An underrated way to impact change is to run for a local position! Please feel free to add information on doing so below.