With Election Day just around the corner, politicians are working to try and win the votes of Maine citizens. There are a number of important races for federal and local offices taking place locally and nationally, and the discussion around campaign policies is intensifying as the season reaches its peak. The following is a brief guide to understanding Maine federal and local election candidate options with linked resources for more information.
Maine U.S. Senate Race (Federal)
Angus King (Independent, incumbent), David Costello (Democrat), and Demi Kouzounas (Republican) are the leading candidates in Maine’s U.S. Senate race.
Angus King, the incumbent Senator, is an Independent candidate who was born in Virginia, but has been a resident of Maine for approximately 55 years. He earned a juris doctor degree in law from the University of Virginia and served as the 72nd Governor of Maine. King is campaigning with policies to tackle climate change, support women’s right to choose and lower healthcare costs. He served on multiple government committees and worked to address the national drug crisis, climate change and rising costs in the economy.
David Costello is a Democratic candidate, who was born in Bangor and raised in Old Town. He earned degrees from the University of Maine, George Washington University and the London School of Economics and Political Science. With over 25 years of senior-level governmental experience, he worked on domestic policy and international humanitarian efforts in conflict zones such as Cambodia and Kosovo. Costello’s campaign focuses on issues like climate action, healthcare reform, economic equity, gun safety and supporting education initiatives.
Demi Kouzounas, a Republican candidate from Saco, earned a doctorate degree in dentistry from Tufts University and served in the U.S. Army. Kouzounas advocates for a secure border, reduced inflation and Maine families. She dedicated much of her career to expanding access to health and dental care for low-income residents, children and migrant workers. She also co-founded “Dentists Who Care for Maine” to support rural healthcare initiatives.
U.S. House, Maine’s 2nd Congressional District (Federal)
Jared Golden (Democrat, incumbent), Austin Theriault (Republican) and Diana Merenda (write-in candidate) are the main candidates for U.S. Representative in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District.
Jared Golden is a Democratic candidate from Leeds who served in the Marines following the 9/11 attacks. Golden is campaigning for border security, greater education funding, and stronger labor unions. He helped create educational programs in Afghanistan and has policy experience from working with the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Austin Theriault is a Republican candidate from Fort Kent, Maine. He drove for NASCAR but stepped away to focus on business and politics, serving as a state representative for one term. Theriault is campaigning for Maine’s lobstermen, moderation in Congress and economic initiatives to reduce energy costs. He intends to create jobs and strengthen infrastructure.
Diana Merenda is an Independent candidate from Surry, Maine. She served as a government worker for eight years and a professor at Baruch College (CUNY) for seven years. Her campaign emphasizes an anti-war stance, including opposition to the U.S. support of Israel’s actions in Gaza and calling for a redirection of military funds toward domestic needs. She also expressed views on economic policies, such as advocating for corporate tax incentives only if they directly benefit consumers by lowering costs.
Maine State Senate, District 8 (State-level)
Mike Tipping (Democrat, incumbent) and Leo C. Kenney (Republican) are the primary state candidates for Maine State Senate District 8.
Mike Tipping, the incumbent Democratic candidate, is from Orono and earned a degree in political science. Tipping is known for his work as an advocate, writer and senior strategist with the Maine People’s Alliance. His campaign focuses on issues supporting seniors, workers, unions and environmental initiatives. He has been an active voice for environmental restoration efforts, including a successful lawsuit to address mercury pollution in Maine’s Penobscot River. Tipping also campaigned for increases in Maine’s minimum wage and policies aimed at broader economic justice and public health improvements.
Leo C. Kenney is a Republican candidate from Orono, Maine. He is a small business owner. Kenney is campaigning for affordable healthcare, better education and lower energy costs. His platform includes expanding access to mental health services, promoting business-friendly policies to create local jobs and enhancing vocational programs to prepare young people for careers in technology and skilled trades. Kenney also advocates for affordable housing initiatives and energy efficiency improvements to help lower costs for Maine residents.
Maine House of Representatives, District 25 (State-level)
Laurie Osher (Democrat, incumbent) and Thomas Casey (Republican) are the primary candidates for Maine House of Representatives District 25.
Laurie Osher, the incumbent representative, is a Democratic candidate originally from Pennsylvania. She holds a Ph.D. in soil science and worked as a soil scientist, professor and business owner focused on energy efficiency. Osher’s campaign advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, tribal sovereignty, accessible healthcare and environmental protection. She worked to improve the environment, address sexual assault on college campuses and support research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that weakens muscles and gradually impairs movement.
Thomas Casey is a Republican candidate. Available sources do not provide specific information regarding his career, platform or policy positions. He has also not responded to major voter guides or questionnaires such as those by Vote411, Ballotpedia and Bangor Daily News.
Election day
Election day is Nov. 5. If you are an Orono resident, you can vote at the Collins Center for the Arts on Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you’re voting for the first time, you will need identification and proof of residency. You can find out more about voting in Orono here.
It is also important to note that some candidates have provided more campaign and personal information than others. Ballotpedia and this Bangor Daily News article have a more in-depth profiling of mentioned candidates if you would like more information.