The Maine Law Court issued an advisory opinion in 2017 saying the method would violate the state Constitution, but proponents say a court decision in Alaska dismantled the court’s reasoning.
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.
Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Brunswick Democrat announces campaign for Susan Collins’ Senate seat
David Costello, 65, says he’s running to ‘end the Trump Administration’s and Republican Congress’s reckless assault on our democracy, environment, and economy.’
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Posted inElections, Local & State, Politics
Gorham Republican enters Maine’s 2026 governor’s race
Owen McCarthy, a medical technology entrepreneur from Gorham, said he’s running to ‘rein in runaway spending,’ deliver tax relief to struggling Mainers and small businesses, and ‘crack down on illegal immigration by cooperating with federal law enforcement.’
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills signs minimum wage for Maine agriculture workers into law
Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, said the bill is a ‘long overdue step towards justice’ for workers who are primarily Black, Brown, Latino, and Indigenous laborers who have historically been excluded from labor protections.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine Democrats drop opposition to ‘red flag’ hearing
A public hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday on a citizen initiative that would make it easier to temporarily remove access to firearms from people who are in a crisis.
Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Hannah Pingree announces run for Maine governor
Pingree, a former speaker of the Maine House, joins a slate of well-known Democrats looking to replace Gov. Janet Mills.
Posted inElections, Local & State, Local Elections, Politics
Group hoping to ‘veto’ Maine budget intends to collect signatures at polling places Tuesday
It’s unclear whether a group of Republicans can gather enough signatures to force a people’s veto referendum, which Democrats warn would cause a months-long government shutdown even if it fails.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Proposed tax increases spark clash in Maine Legislature
Advocates urged lawmakers to increase taxes on the wealthy and corporations, but Republicans vowed to oppose any new taxes.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine Republicans, gun rights groups try to force hearing on ‘red flag’ proposal
Republicans say Democrats, who control both chambers and legislative committees, are violating state law by not allowing a public hearing on a red flag referendum that is opposed by Gov. Janet Mills and some Democrats.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine may legalize more forms of online gambling
A bill pending in the Legislature would expand the rights of tribes to offer non-sports betting options online, such as roulette and blackjack.