Democrats are somewhat likely to retain Maine’s Senate
Key Races to Watch
In this outlook, the Democrats lose two districts to get a 20-seat majority while the Republican delegation increases to 15 state Senators.
Maine’s 8th (Fort Fairfield) - Leans D
Incumbent Party Nominee: Mike Tipping (D)
Challenger Party Nominee: Eric Rojo (R)
Maine’s 13th (Brewer) - Leans R
Incumbent Party Nominee: Cameron Reny (D)
Challenger Party Nominee: Abden Simmons (R)
Maine’s 16th (Kenduskeag Stream) - Leans R
Incumbent Party Nominee: Michael Perkins (R)
Challenger Party Nominee: David LaFountain (D)
Maine’s 26th (Bowdoinham) - Leans D
Incumbent Party Nominee: Timothy Nangle (D)
Challenger Party Nominee: Gary Plummer (R)
Maine’s 32nd (Gardiner) - Leans D
Incumbent Party Nominee: Henry Ingwersen (D)
Challenger Party Nominee: David Corbett (R)
Focus on the Working Families
Stagnating Economy
POINT ONE
Maine’s economy has plateaued over the past several years as its industries begin to lose some relevance in the 21st century. Lumber, fishing, and shipbuilding are integral to Maine’s economy, but as other nations develop, Maine’s fishing and lumber economy have been challenged by outsiders. The economic situation in Maine is not too dissimilar to the Rust Belt states as each of their industries has become globalized. The Democrats have attempted to increase welfare support programs with the Federal stimulus given during the pandemic. Nevertheless, state solutions to globalization have been weak and voters are looking for change.
Education
POINT TWO
Public education has been a problem in Maine for half a decade. There have been investments made to increase funding for education and daycare, but the COVID-19 pandemic upended the education system. Republicans in Maine are attacking the incumbent Democrats for the prolonged shutdowns of schools during the pandemic. The opposition’s argument has been that online schooling could not be done adequately with spotty internet and, as a result, children’s knowledge will be irreparably harmed. Similar to Virginia, Republicans have rallied against teachers unions and called for more power by the parents to dictate their children’s education.