Neither Susan Collins nor Jared Golden are seen as predictable votes for their parties, and narrow margins in Congress mean it’s more likely they will be looked to as key votes.
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 inLocal & State, Politics
Newly elected Maine Legislature takes oath, elects officers
Attorney General Aaron Frey and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows won reelection to their posts Wednesday after Democrats, who have majorities in both the House and Senate, met Tuesday to cast a preliminary vote on nominations.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
New Legislature to consider limits on vague placeholder bills
The increased use of so-called concept drafts that allow lawmakers to withhold details about pending legislation has generated criticism from the public, advocates and lawmakers alike.
Posted inElection 2024, News, Politics
Hand recount underway in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District
Austin Theriault requested the recount after losing the race to Rep. Jared Golden by 2,706 votes, or less than 1% of votes cast.
Posted inElection 2024, Local & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills not ready to join Trump resistance movement, yet
Gov. Janet Mills is taking more of a wait-and-see approach than some Democratic governors, who have formed a resistance network even before Donald Trump takes office.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, News, Politics
Gov. Mills doesn’t rule out challenging Susan Collins for U.S. Senate in 2026
But Maine’s Democratic governor said she is focusing on her final two years as governor, while applauding U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ ascent as chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, where she can direct more federal spending to Maine.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Aaron Frey faces challenge for Maine attorney general post
The attorney general is one of three constitutional officers elected by lawmakers by secret ballot. The Democratic majority in the Legislature will make its selections in December.
Posted inElection 2024, Local & State, News, Politics
The latest on recounts in legislative races, Maine’s 2nd Congressional District
Four recounts in state legislative races have so far confirmed the election night winners, all Democrats.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Democrats turn to southern Maine for legislative leadership
All 6 of the party’s leaders in the 132nd Legislature represent communities within 26 miles of Portland, opening Democrats to criticism from Republicans for not representing the whole state.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Sen. Collins wants full confirmation process for Trump appointees
In a 15-minute interview with the Press Herald, Maine’s senior senator also talked about some of incoming Pres. Donald Trump’s early moves and policy goals.