Stay updated with the latest news, insights, and upcoming events through our public blog and comprehensive events calendar, including highlights like the Craft Championships and photo galleries of our events.
The Maine Legislature is scheduled to start the second regular session on January 7, 2026. There are only 4 months in the second session and lots of bills hanging in the balance. Statuary adjournment is scheduled for April 15, 2026.
Our view is that while there is still plenty of work to accomplish, lawmakers have big incentives to finish quickly. The Blaine House and all 186 seats of the Maine Legislature will be up for grabs and fundraising cannot start in earnest until the legislature has finished its work. The Mills administration will also be coming to a close and it is widely expected that commissioners and key staff will begin to look for other work or join campaigns that are in progress.
Governor Mills in particular will be looking for a quick exit. What was once looking like a walk in the park primary for the US Senate is proving to be a much bigger headache. Graham Platner has been leading in most polls and has weathered what can only be described as a political category 5 hurricane. Currently, the Real Clear Politics average has Mills only 4 points ahead of Platner.
Another person who will be looking for a quick exit will be State Rep. Tiffany Roberts (D-North Berwick). Rep. Roberts is the author of Maine’s Right to Repair law and has been aggressively pursuing Contractor Licensing legislation. She launched a primary challenge against US Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME01).
Maine’s CD-02 race has been interesting since Congressman Jared Golden’s decision not to pursue re-election. Democrats saw US Senate Candidate Jordan Wood move to Lewiston and swap races to join the US House primary. State Auditor Matt Dunlap was already in the race, and it seems as if State Sen. Joe Baldacci (D-Bangor) may jump in the race as well. The Democratic winner will likely face off against former Governor Paul LePage for the seat.
The Legislature is certainly setting up to make all these candidates’ dreams come true. The 10-member legislative council allowed less than 100 additional bills in for the second session. This is a shockingly low number that will ensure work is completed fast.
As always, your team at Dirigo Public Affairs is honored to represent the shop contractors at ABC Maine. We wish you a very happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.