As we roll into the 2026 midterm elections, our corner of Maine’s 2nd Congressional District is quieter than expected. With longtime incumbent Jared Golden retiring, this open seat was supposed to bring more energy, but so far, the political signs are actually less visible than they were in 2024.
We drove some familiar back roads in Western Maine recently, and here’s what we’re seeing ahead of the June 9, 2026, primary. See more info from the Secretary of State’s office.
Key Races on Our Radar in Rural Maine
- U.S. House – Maine CD2
- Democratic Primary (June 9): Joe Baldacci (State Senator), Matthew Dunlap (State Auditor), Paige Loud (social worker), Jordan Wood (former congressional staffer).
- Republican: Paul LePage (former Governor), running unopposed in the primary.
U.S. Senate
U.S. Senate Incumbent Senator Susan Collins (R) is seeking a sixth term. Graham Platner (oyster farmer & Marine veteran) is the strong Democratic front-runner.
State Representative (local districts) Incumbents like Mike Soboleski (District 73) are defending their seats.
Governor
Open seat with crowded primaries.
Democratic Primary Candidates for Governor
- Shenna Bellows — Maine Secretary of State.
- Troy Dale Jackson — Former President of the Maine Senate.
- Angus King III — Energy executive, son of former Gov./Sen. Angus King.
- Hannah Pingree — Former Maine House Speaker, former director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation, daughter of Rep. Chellie Pingree.
- Nirav Shah — Former Maine CDC Director and former principal deputy director of the CDC.
Republican Primary Candidates For Governor
- Jonathan Bush — Health care entrepreneur, nephew of former President George H.W. Bush.
- Bobby (Robert) Charles — Attorney, former Assistant U.S. Secretary of State.
- David Jones — Business owner / real estate executive.
- James Libby — Maine State Senator (some reports note he may have dropped out or struggled with funding).
- Garrett Mason — Former Maine Senate Majority Leader.
- Owen McCarthy — University of Maine trustee, business owner.
- Ben Midgley — Former fitness executive (Planet Fitness / Crunch), recent straw poll leader.
- Robert J. Wessels — Small business owner, former selectman from Paris.
Independent / Non-Partisan Candidates (General Election)
These candidates are running or have filed for the November general election:
- Richard (Rick) Bennett — State Senator, former Maine Republican Party chair (strongest independent contender).
- W. Edward (Ed) Crockett — State Representative.
- John Glowa — Retired environmental specialist.
- Derek Levasseur — Former police officer.
- Alexander Murchison — Mechanical engineer.
Note: The primaries are June 9, 2026. The top Democrat and top Republican will face the independents (and each other) in the November 3 general election. Fields can still shift slightly before the primary.
Fresh 2026 Signs We Spotted
Even though overall signs are fewer, a few candidates have started putting theirs out:
Graham Platner for U.S. Senate Bold blue sign with the Maine outline — clean and eye-catching. Platner is the leading Democrat challenging incumbent Susan Collins.
Mike Soboleski for State Representative Incumbent from the Phillips area with a straightforward red-white-and-blue design.
Ben Midgley for Governor “A Stronger Maine” — bright and prominent along the roadside.
Even with these signs appearing, overall activity on rural roads remains noticeably lighter than in previous cycles.
What Makes a Good Rural Maine Political Sign?
From what we’ve seen over the years:
- Big, bold lettering you can read at 45 mph.
- High-contrast colors, blue/red/white, still dominate.
- Simple messages — “For Congress,” “For Senate,” “A Stronger Maine.”
- Sturdy coroplast or metal H-stakes that survive our wind and mud.
Homemade and creative signs still steal the show when they appear. Anyone planning a clever one this year?
Our Drive Through Western Maine: 2026 Edition
The mix of official campaign signs and the occasional handmade one reminds us why we love living here. Politics feels personal in these small towns.
Whether you lean red or blue, seeing neighbors put out signs is part of rural life, even if there are fewer of them this year.
Conclusion:
Even though we’re seeing fewer political signs than in 2024, we’ll keep cruising the back roads in Western Maine and sharing more photos as the season heats up.
What signs are you seeing in your town? Drop a comment below or send us photos; we’d love to feature reader submissions in a future update!
2026 Maine Election FAQ: Rural Western Maine Edition
Q: When is the 2026 primary election?
A: Tuesday, June 9, 2026. This is when Democratic and Republican primaries for Governor, U.S. House CD2, U.S. Senate, and State Legislature will be held.
Q: When is the general election?
A: Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Q: Is ranked-choice voting being used?
A: Yes for federal races (U.S. Senate and U.S. House CD2) in both the primary and general election, and for all state primaries. No for the general election races for Governor and State Legislature — those use traditional plurality voting.
Q: Why are we seeing more signs this year?
A: Competitive open seat in CD2 + open Governor’s race + Senate race has brought more campaign activity to rural roads.
Q: Can I still make my own yard signs?
A: Absolutely! Bold colors, large fonts, and sturdy stakes work best in Maine weather. Many locals still prefer homemade or custom signs.
Q: Where can I find the official candidate lists?
A: Check the Maine Secretary of State’s 2026 Election page for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Lisa moved from Southern New England to the rural mountains of Maine in 2020 with her husband. Drawing from her hands-on experience with slower-paced rural living, she shares the beauty, honest realities, and simple pleasures of life in the Maine woods, along with their rural travels across the United States and abroad.
