This week, Matt and Jake catch up on all of the recent action in Maine’s 2026 political races, and keep an eye on Washington as well.
In Maine’s 2nd Congressional District race, big news was made this week as Rep. Jared Golden announced his decision to forego the gubernatorial race, and instead run for re-election. This sets up a potential matchup against Paul LePage, though there is a lurking primary threat to Golden which could complicate things.
In the governor’s race, several people have decided to jump in. Hannah Pingree did not formally announce, but she is leaving her position with the Mills administration and is widely expected to run. Troy Jackson did announced, and immediately dropped a Bernie Sanders endorsement. Republicans David Jones and Jim Libby have both announced their campaigns as well, and many other big names lurk on the periphery, possibly announcing themselves very soon.
One of those names is Rep. Laurel Libby, who won an appeal with the Supreme Court this week, restoring her right to vote in the Maine Legislature. What does that decision mean for the actual case itself, which is still ongoing? We discuss.
Finally, in Washington this morning the Big Beautiful Bill passes the House of Representatives. The aforementioned Rep. Golden voted against saying it was the “easiest vote” he has ever taken. It is undeniably better than the alternative that would’ve been proposed by “President Harris,” but is it anything to get excited about? More importantly, will it actually address our crushing debt?
This and more, on this week’s edition of the Pine Tree Podcast.
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