Randy Billings

Staff Writer

Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.

Elections, Local & State, Nation & World, New England, News, Politics

Graham Platner says he shuns DC consultants. His spending tells a different story.

by Randy Billings February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

Despite heavy spending on out-of-state consultants, the campaign is being driven by volunteers and grassroots organizing, campaign manager Ben Chin says.

Local & State, Nation & World, New England, News, Politics

In State of the Union, Trump says fraud ‘even worse’ in Maine than in Minnesota

by Randy Billings February 25, 2026February 25, 2026

The president announced that Vice President JD Vance would conduct a ‘war on fraud’ in Maine and other states.

Elections, Local & State, News, Politics

Graham Platner grows lead in U.S. Senate primary against Gov. Janet Mills, poll shows

by Randy Billings February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

The survey also asked voters about the Maine governor’s race and the race for Congressional District 2.

Elections, Local & State, News, Politics

In Maine legislative races, recruiting the right candidate is everything

by Randy Billings February 23, 2026February 23, 2026

With less than a month left to qualify for a primary ballot, Republicans and Democrats are still recruiting people to run for dozens of seats in the Maine Legislature.