Rachel Ohm – Page 2 – 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.

Maine, News, Politics

Maine high court hears arguments for and against expansion of ranked-choice voting

by Rachel Ohm April 1, 2026April 1, 2026

Wednesday’s hearing came as lawmakers have asked the court to issue an advisory opinion in response to a bill that would expand the voting system for use in gubernatorial and legislative races.

Business, Maine, News

5 takeaways from the new MaineHousing annual report

by Rachel Ohm April 1, 2026April 1, 2026

The report released Wednesday highlighted progress on investments in affordable housing, first-time homeowner loans and efforts to prevent homelessness.

Business, Maine, News, Politics

Could Maine make polluters pay for the cost of climate change? Lawmakers want to study it first.

by Rachel Ohm March 31, 2026March 31, 2026

The Legislature on Tuesday passed a measure to study how much greenhouse gas emissions are costing the state, with Republicans opposed.

Elections, Maine, News, Politics

Trans sports referendum signatures are not valid, lawsuit argues

by Rachel Ohm March 30, 2026March 30, 2026

The lawsuit filed Friday in Cumberland County Superior Court by 3 Maine residents says the referendum should not be sent to voters.

Elections, Maine, News, Politics

Will Bobby Charles’ lead in the Republican primary for governor last?

by Rachel Ohm March 29, 2026March 29, 2026

Charles has led recent polling, but he’ll need to keep that momentum going to beat out the large field of competitors in his own party.

Elections, Maine, News, Politics

Does Jonathan Bush meet Maine’s residency requirement for governor?

by Rachel Ohm March 28, 2026March 29, 2026

Bush has owned a home in Cape Elizabeth since 2020, but tax records show he received resident exemptions in Massachusetts until 2023, and his campaign would not provide the dates he has lived in Maine.

Elections, Maine, News, Politics

4 takeaways from debate between Republicans running for Maine governor

by Rachel Ohm March 24, 2026March 25, 2026

The 8 candidates who qualified for the GOP primary agreed on many issues, but with different approaches and experiences informing their answers.

Health, Maine, News, Politics

Why the Trump administration is investigating Maine’s abortion laws

by Rachel Ohm March 23, 2026March 23, 2026

Maine is facing scrutiny from Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights over allegations the state is violating a federal anti-discrimination provision.