If Republicans take a shellacking in November’s midterms as predicted, Graham Platner is positioned to reap the benefits.
Steve Collins
Columnist
Steve Collins became an opinion columnist for the Maine Trust for Local News in April of 2025. A journalist since 1987, Steve has worked for daily newspapers in New York, Connecticut and Maine and served as the State House reporter for the Sun Journal since 2016. The Maine Press Association named him Maine's Journalist of the Year in 2022. Among his other awards are the Society of Professional Journalists’ 2016 Ethics in Journalism Award, the I.F. Stone Whistle-Blower Award in 2015 and the Bob Wallack Community Journalism Award from the New England Newspaper & Press Association. Steve is a founder and board president of Youth Journalism International, a charity that teaches students around the globe about news writing, media literacy and issues of the day. His wife, Jackie Majerus, serves as its executive director. Born in Massachusetts, he grew up in a military family that took him to Norway, Ohio and Virginia, where he earned a degree in history from the University of Virginia. He and Jackie live in Auburn. They have two adult children, two collies and not enough time.
Posted inOpinion, Steve Collins
Margaret Chase Smith is on the campaign trail this year, too | Steve Collins
Two of the top contenders in the race for U.S. senator, Janet Mills and Susan Collins, credit Smith for their political careers.
advertisement
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion, Steve Collins
To overcome the sins of the past, Maine needs to support Wabanaki rights | Steve Collins
We can’t undo the murder and theft that Maine’s settlers brought to its native population in the past, but we can show respect to the native nations that survived.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion, Steve Collins
Frightened Lewiston Somalis feel besieged by The Maine Wire | Steve Collins
A Somali family found itself in the national limelight after a right-wing nonprofit turned a teenage boy into a symbol of health care fraud.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion, Steve Collins
Maine should reward Matt Dunlap for his courage | Steve Collins
Only Dunlap challenged Rep. Jared Golden. That took guts.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion, Steve Collins
A proud day for my family’s journalism nonprofit | Steve Collins
“Journalism is not for the faint of heart, nor for anyone trying to get rich.” But pride and even joy, I’ve learned, can come with the territory.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion, Steve Collins
So you want to stand out in Maine’s Republican gubernatorial primary? | Steve Collins
It shouldn’t be hard for a candidate to distinguish themselves in this race. And yet.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion, Steve Collins
Angus King could become governor. No, the other Angus King. | Steve Collins
Recent polling makes me worried that Maine voters are going to see a name they know, maybe even like, and not think twice.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion, Steve Collins
Angus King is right about war with Iran | Steve Collins
Maine’s junior senator has some serious questions about the Trump administration’s handling of the conflict. So do I.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion, Steve Collins
Democrats must not be ruled out of Maine’s 2nd District race | Steve Collins
Paul LePage probably shouldn’t start apartment shopping in D.C. just yet.