Rachel Ohm – Centralmaine.com

Staff Writer

Rachel covers state government and politics for the Portland Press Herald. It’s her third beat at the paper after stints covering City Hall and education. Prior to her arrival at the Press Herald in the summer of 2019, Rachel worked at the Morning Sentinel in Waterville, covering Franklin and Somerset counties, and the Knoxville News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tennessee, covering higher education. She has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University and when she’s not writing and reporting enjoys running, cooking and traveling to new places.

Elections, Maine, Politics

Federal lawsuit challenges Maine secretary of state’s decision on trans sports referendum

by Rachel Ohm July 2, 2026July 2, 2026

A suit filed by a signature gatherer and three people who signed petitions is specifically focused on 1,520 signatures that they say should not have been invalidated.

Elections, Maine, News, Politics

No longer on the campaign trail, Gov. Mills is having fun at Maine theaters

by Rachel Ohm July 2, 2026July 3, 2026

Mills, who ended her campaign for U.S. Senate in April, dressed up in period costume to visit with the cast of the musical ‘1776’ at the Maine State Music Theatre this week.

Elections, Maine, News, Politics

Here’s where Maine’s candidates for governor stand on key issues

by Rachel Ohm July 1, 2026July 1, 2026

Rick Bennett, Bobby Charles and Hannah Pingree shared their plans for addressing the housing crisis, healthcare affordability and taxes.

Elections, Maine, News, Politics

Hannah Pingree is the heavy favorite in Maine governor’s race, Times/Press Herald/Siena poll finds

by Rachel Ohm June 30, 2026June 30, 2026

Pingree, a Democrat, has a double-digit lead over Republican Bobby Charles in the three-way race that also features independent Rick Bennett.

Elections, Maine, News, Politics

Amid fraud concerns, conservative group pushes for new MaineCare oversight rules

by Rachel Ohm June 23, 2026June 23, 2026

Lead Maine submitted petitions to the state Tuesday seeking to force agency rulemaking on MaineCare provider inspections and improper payments.

Elections, Maine, News, Politics

How Maine Democrats plan to make abortion an issue for Susan Collins

by Rachel Ohm June 22, 2026June 22, 2026

As new ads from Democrats pounce on Collins’ remarks that she doesn’t regret confirming Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, Planned Parenthood’s advocacy arm is endorsing Graham Platner.

Elections, Maine, News, Politics

4 takeaways from Maine’s ranked-choice runoffs

by Rachel Ohm June 20, 2026June 20, 2026

Democrat Hannah Pingree and Republican Bobby Charles are their party’s nominees for governor. Ranked-choice voting continues to frustrate Republicans after this week’s process dragged on until 2 a.m. Friday.