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United States Senate election in Maine, 2018

From Ballotpedia

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Maine

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Angus King
Angus King (Independent)
 
54.3
 
344,575
Image of Eric Brakey
Eric Brakey (R)
 
35.2
 
223,502
Image of Zak Ringelstein
Zak Ringelstein (D)
 
10.4
 
66,268
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.0
 
64

Ballotpedia Logo

Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 634,409
(100.00% precincts reporting)
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates


2020→
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U.S. Senate, Maine
Ballotpedia Election Coverage Badge.png
Democratic primary
Republican primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: March 15, 2018
Primary: June 12, 2018
General: November 6, 2018
Pre-election incumbent:
Angus King (Independent)
How to vote
Poll times: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting in Maine
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Democratic
Inside Elections: Solid Democratic
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Democratic
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds
U.S. House battlegrounds
Federal and state primary competitiveness
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2018
See also
U.S. Senate, Maine
U.S. Senate •1st •2nd
Maine elections, 2018
U.S. Congress elections, 2018
U.S. Senate elections, 2018
U.S. House elections, 2018

Contents

Voters inMaineelected one member to theU.S. Senate in theelection on November 6, 2018.

The election filled theClass 1 Senate seat held byAngus King (I). He was first elected in 2012. This seat was rated, on average,Likely Independent by three outlets as of January 25, 2018.[1] King was elected as an independent but caucuses with the Senate Democrats.

The Washington Post reported in December 2017 that PresidentDonald Trump (R) was encouraging Maine Gov.Paul LePage (R) to enter the Senate race to challenge King.[2]





Candidates and election results

See also:Statistics on U.S. Congress candidates, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Maine

IncumbentAngus King defeatedEric Brakey andZak Ringelstein in the general election for U.S. Senate Maine on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Angus King
Angus King (Independent)
 
54.3
 
344,575
Image of Eric Brakey
Eric Brakey (R)
 
35.2
 
223,502
Image of Zak Ringelstein
Zak Ringelstein (D)
 
10.4
 
66,268
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.0
 
64

Ballotpedia Logo

Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 634,409
(100.00% precincts reporting)
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Maine

Zak Ringelstein advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Maine on June 12, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Zak Ringelstein
Zak Ringelstein
 
100.0
 
89,841

Ballotpedia Logo

There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified.

Total votes: 89,841
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Maine

Eric Brakey advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Maine on June 12, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Eric Brakey
Eric Brakey
 
100.0
 
59,853

Ballotpedia Logo

There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 59,853
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates


Campaign themes

Independent Angus King

King’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Issues
From his first day in the Senate, Senator King has worked hard to ensure every Mainer’s voice is heard in Washington – no matter who they are, how much they make or what side of the aisle they identify with.

As an independent, Senator King isn’t beholden to any political party or Super PAC – he believes what makes Maine such a remarkable state is its people, and that’s why people are always at the heart of his work and the issues he takes on.

From securing more comprehensive health care for our veterans to lowering college costs for countless students, from working to strengthen Social Security to pouring everything he’s got into ending the opioid crisis, Senator King is committed to fighting the fights that matter most to the 1.3 million folks who call Maine home.

Veterans

Health Care

Jobs and the Economy

Opioids

National Security

Environment & Renewable Energy[3]

”
—Angus King’s campaign website (2018)[4]

Democratic Party Zak Ringelstein

Ringelstein’s campaign website stated the following:

Republican Party Eric Brakey

Brakey’s campaign website stated the following:

“

HEALTHCARE

We all know the old saying, 'The customer is always right.' That’s why competitive businesses regularly bend over backward to ensure their customers are satisfied with the goods and services provided, always looking for new ways to provide better quality at lower prices.

Sadly, our healthcare system isn’t working this way. As far as patients are concerned, healthcare is increasingly expensive for services that are stagnant in quality. Why is this happening?

This is happening because our healthcare system is focused on serving its customers — but sadly, we the patients are not the customers. Instead, big government and big insurance companies have stepped between us and our doctors — taking our money and paying on our behalf — stealing the power of the customer for themselves so healthcare providers cater to their needs, not ours. Meanwhile, us little guys, the patients, are treated like products on an assembly line.

If we are going to improve healthcare for the little guy, we need to give power and choice to the patients, not to big government or big insurance companies.

Our healthcare system is a tangled, expensive web of policies and regulations that result in Americans not being able to access the care they need — or paying too much for insurance and care. ObamaCare has failed, and Americans are hurting because of it.

We must look to free-market solutions to spur innovation, increase competition and give patients control over their own healthcare decisions.

Big government solutions are not working, and they cannot be the answer for our future.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS

All American citizens have basic Constitutional rights that cannot be violated. Unfortunately, we have seen our federal government creep further and further into our lives, and our rights are being compromised as a result.

The Second Amendment is constantly under attack across the nation by well-funded liberal groups. In the Maine Senate, I have been a leader in protecting Mainers’ Second Amendment rights. During my first term I sponsored Constitutional Carry legislation. As a result, law-abiding Mainers no longer need a permission slip from government to carry a concealed firearm.

Our Congress recently reauthorized FISA without protections for Americans’ Fourth Amendment rights. Warrantless spying on innocent American citizens is simply wrong. As a United States Senator, I will work to ensure that we have privacy rights built into policies such as FISA. We must defend our nation, but we cannot relinquish our rights to do so.

And, the Attorney General has recently taken us down a dangerous path on the rights established for states in the Tenth Amendment. I believe that when it comes to matters like cannabis policy, the federal government needs to step out of the way and let states make their own choices. States’ rights are a cornerstone of our nation’s founding, and the more power the federal government takes from the states, the further power moves away from the people and where it really belongs.

In the United States Senate, I will stand up for each and every one of our rights that are enshrined in the Constitution. Our liberty is too precious to be taken for granted, and I will defend it at every turn.

FOREIGN POLICY

I believe that our foreign policy must put America First.

America cannot be the world’s policeman. Nor should we ask our taxpayers to send money to foreign governments that work against our interests.

Our military is over-extended, with a presence in 177 countries across the world. We have been fighting wars in Afghanistan and Iraq for over a decade. American lives are being put at risk every day for nation-building efforts that are not working.

Defending our nation is the most important role of our federal government, but in doing so we must be sure that our actions are within the Constitution and are in the best interest of our nation.

The Constitution tasks Congress with the serious responsibility of declaring war. War should never be a unilateral decision; sending our men and women overseas to die for their country is a decision that should be long debated and considered as the serious, weighty decision that it is.

America must defend itself, and we must defend our founding principles as we do so.

IMMIGRATION

Milton Friedman was right when he said that we cannot have open borders and a welfare state. It simply does not work.

Our immigration policy must include a strong, comprehensive security solution for our border. Any approach to security should be multifaceted, combining a physical structure with aerial surveillance and other technologies to support our border patrol agents.

And we cannot have America be a destination for welfare benefits. We must reform our social safety nets so that we do not have welfare as an enticement for people to come to our nation.

We must defend our nation, and put our citizens first. In the State Senate, I have a track record of advocating that we need to make citizens our first priority, sponsoring legislation to end welfare benefits for non-citizens so that our limited resources can be used for our most needy and vulnerable citizens.

Americans are a generous people, but we cannot be foolish. For our own safety and economic well-being, our immigration system must serve America’s interests.

A REAL PLAN TO REIGN IN OVER-SPENDING

1. NO INCREASES IN SPENDING UNLESS OFFSET WITH DECREASES IN SPENDING.
Congress loves to spend money they don’t have. Sometimes there are legitimate new spending needs that arise, and we can accommodate those needs.

We cannot, however, continue piling on more and more spending without accompanying cuts when we are $20 trillion in debt.

When Washington DC prioritizes everything, they are really prioritizing nothing. If a new priority arises, let’s make it a real priority and pay for it with cuts to spending elsewhere in the budget, not by saddling Americans with more debt.

2. INSTITUTE THE 'PENNY PLAN'
Benjamin Franklin told us, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”

If we cut just one penny for every dollar spent in Washington DC, then over ten years we would save $8.7 trillion.

We all know there is waste and bloat in government. Washington DC spent $850,000 on a televised cricket league in Afghanistan, $450,000 on a video game to teach children about climate change and half a million studying whether selfies make you happy.

If they can afford to waste our money on programs like these, we can afford to cut them by a penny.

3. REAL BUDGETING.
No more phony cuts.

Do you know what they call it when they plan to increase spending by 15%, but instead it goes up by 10%? They call that a 5% cut.

If you planned to gain 15 pounds, but instead you only gained 10, did you lose 5 pounds? Of course not.

This is phony math designed to fool us into giving them more of our money. It is time for Washington DC to live under a real budget.

4. SOCIAL SECURITY PRESERVATION ACT.
Social Security is in danger because Congress can’t control its spending addiction. In order to keep riding their spending high, they have regularly raided Social Security, spending our retirement money on their pet projects and giving us IOUs they can’t pay for.

We shouldn’t let the fox guard the hen house any longer. The Social Security Preservation Act would protect our Social Security dollars from the politicians by placing it all in a trust fund that they can’t touch: preserving the program for our seniors today and future generations tomorrow.

5. GIVE SENIORS GREATER USE OF PRIVATE CONTRACTING IN MEDICARE.
Repeal policy forcing seniors to get Medicare if they want social security and enact President Trump’s plan to allow seniors to make tax-deductible contributions to Medicare Healthcare Savings Accounts in exchange for means-testing benefits for upper-income seniors.

With this plan, we can both improve choice and quality for our seniors, while shoring up the solvency of Medicare so that it continues to function for our most vulnerable.

ENDING CORPORATE WELFARE AND DRAINING THE SWAMP

America was founded on the promise that you can succeed in the country, not based on who you know in government, but based on what you can do for your neighbors.

GOVERNMENT SPENDING & TAXES

Our national debt is growing at a rate of $1 million a minute.

We have $20 trillion in debts and $100 trillion in unfunded liabilities. Between the two, every American taxpayer is on the hook for $1 million each.

And yet, Washington still asks taxpayers for more.

Washington, DC is the richest region in America and the rest of the country simply cannot afford for it to remain so.

Corporate welfare payments that give favors to special interests on the backs of average Americans must be cut. Foreign aid to countries that burn our flag and work against our interests must be cut.

And our bureaucracy must be trimmed — our founders would roll over in their graves if they knew how large our federal government has become. Doing so will take hard votes and standing up to the special interests who profit from government largesse, but I will not back down. As your United States Senator, I will work to bring our government back under control.[3]

”
—Eric Brakey’s campaign website (2018)[6]

Key votes

Key votes cast by King

Sen.Angus King (I-Maine) cast the followingkey votes—votes that help citizens understand where their legislators stand on major policy issues—during the115th Congress, which convened on January 3, 2017, and adjourned on January 3, 2019.

Clickshow to see key votes for Sen.Angus King (I-Maine) →

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, clickhere.

  • Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

    VotedYea on: First Step Act of 2018 (S 756)

    Yes check.svg Motion Agreed to (87-12) on December 18, 2018
    Proposed making changes to the criminal justice system.[7]

    VotedYea on: Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (HR 2)

    Yes check.svg Conference Report Agreed to (87-13) on December 11, 2018
    Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.[8]

    VotedNay on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)

    Yes check.svg Nomination Confirmed (50-48) on October 6, 2018
    Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States[9]

    VotedNay on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)

    Yes check.svg Cloture Motion Agreed to (51-49) on October 5, 2018
    Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States[10]

    VotedYea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

    Yes check.svg Bill Passed (86-11, 3/5 majority required) on June 28, 2018
    Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance.[11]

    VotedNay on: Immigration reform proposal from Sen. Chuck Grassley and the Trump administration (S Amdt 1959 to HR 2579)

    Red x.svg Cloture Motion Rejected (39-60, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018
    Proposed providing a path to citizenship for 1.8 million individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, limits on chain migration or family-based migration, and eliminating the visa lottery system.[12]

    VotedYea on: Immigration reform proposal from the Common Sense Coalition (S Amdt 1958 to HR 2579)

    Red x.svg Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018
    Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, and limitations on chain or family-based immigration.[13]

    VotedNay on: Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act amendment (S Amdt 1948 to S Amdt 1959)

    Red x.svg Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018
    Proposed withholding funding from sanctuary jurisdictions for not cooperating with federal immigration officials.[14]

    VotedYea on: Coons-McCain immigration plan (S Amdt 1955 to S Amdt 1958)

    Red x.svg Cloture Motion Rejected (52-47, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018
    Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children and conducting a study to determine what border security measures were needed. It also proposed requiring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to secure the U.S.-Mexico border by 2021.[15]

    VotedNay on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S 2311)

    Red x.svg Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Rejected (51-46, 3/5 majority required) on January 29, 2018
    Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill proposed providing exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.[16]

    VotedNay on: An amendment to repeal the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it—"Skinny bill" (S Amdt 667 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628 the American Health Care Act of 2017)

    Red x.svg Amendment Rejected (49-51) on July 28, 2017
    The amendment proposed repealing the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it.[17]

    VotedNay on: An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271) (S Amdt 271 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)

    Red x.svg Amendment Rejected (45-55) on July 26, 2017
    An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271)[18]

    VotedNay on: Motion to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, including Cruz and Portman amendments (S Amdt 270 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)

    Red x.svg Motion Rejected (43-57, 3/5 majority required) on July 25, 2017
    A procedural vote to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (BCRA), including the Cruz and Portman amendments.[19]

    VotedNay on: Motion to begin debate on the American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

    Yes check.svg Motion to Proceed Agreed to (50-50, Vice President voted Yea) on July 25, 2017
    Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to title II of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2017.[20]

    VotedNay on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(4)—confirmation vote)

    Yes check.svg Nomination Confirmed (54-45) on April 7, 2017
    Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—confirmation vote.[21]

    VotedNay on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(3))

    Yes check.svg Cloture Motion Agreed to (55-45) on April 6, 2017
    Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—second vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination under the new precedent requiring only a simple majority to pass.[22]


    VotedYea on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(2))

    Red x.svg Decision of Chair Not Sustained (48-52) on April 6, 2017
    Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—a vote to keep the Senate precedent of requiring 60 votes to close debate on Supreme Court nominations.[23]

    VotedNay on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55)

    Red x.svg Cloture Motion Rejected (55-45, 3/5 majority required) on April 6, 2017
    Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—initial vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination.[24]

  • Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

    VotedYea on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)

    Yes check.svg Conference Report Agreed to (93-7) on September 18, 2018Signed by President
    Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.[25]

    VotedYea on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)

    Yes check.svg Conference Report Agreed to (92-5) on September 12, 2018Signed by President
    Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.[26]

    VotedYea on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)

    Yes check.svg Bill Passed (85-7) on August 23, 2018
    Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.[27]

    VotedYea on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)

    Yes check.svg Bill Passed (86-5) on June 25, 2018
    Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.[28]

    VotedYea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

    Yes check.svg Motion Agreed to (65-32) on March 23, 2018Signed by President
    Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.[29]

    VotedYea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

    Yes check.svg Motion Agreed to (71-28) on February 9, 2018Signed by President
    Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018[30]

    VotedNay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

    Red x.svg Cloture Motion Rejected (55-44, 3/5 majority required) on February 8, 2018
    Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018.[31]

    VotedYea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

    Yes check.svg Motion Agreed to (81-18) on January 22, 2018Signed by President
    Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.[32]

    VotedYea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

    Yes check.svg Cloture Motion Agreed to (81-18, 3/5 majority required) on January 22, 2018
    Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.[33]

    VotedNay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

    Red x.svg Cloture Motion Rejected (50-49, 3/5 majority required) on January 19, 2018
    Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.[34]

    VotedYea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

    Yes check.svg Motion Agreed to (66-32, 3/5 majority required) on December 21, 2017Signed by President
    Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.[35]

    VotedNay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

    Yes check.svg Motion Agreed to (51-48) on December 20, 2017Signed by President
    Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 and proposed changes to the tax code.[36]

    VotedYea on: "A joint resolution making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes." (HJ Res 123)

    Yes check.svg Joint Resolution Passed (81-14) on December 7, 2017Signed by President
    Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.[37]

    VotedNay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

    Yes check.svg Bill Passed (51-49) on December 2, 2017
    Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.[38]

    VotedNay on: A concurrent resolution establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

    Yes check.svg Concurrent Resolution Agreed to (51-49) on October 19, 2017
    Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027.[39]

    VotedYea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

    Yes check.svg Motion Agreed to (80-17) on September 7, 2017Signed by President
    Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.[40]

    VotedYea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

    Yes check.svg Motion Agreed to (79-18) on May 4, 2017Signed by President
    The $1.2 trillion budget bill proposed funding the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.[41]

  • Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

    VotedYea on: "A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress." (SJ Res 54)

    Yes check.svg Joint Resolution Passed (56-41) on December 13, 2018
    Proposed removing United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that were not authorized by Congress.[42]

    VotedYea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

    Yes check.svg Bill Passed (89-8) on September 18, 2017
    Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, and to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. On November 15, 2017, the Senate passed the defense policy bill by voice vote. This bill was the result of compromises made in the conference report. For more information on the compromise bill,click here.[43][44]

    VotedYea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

    Yes check.svg Bill Passed (98-2) on July 27, 2017Signed by President
    Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.[45]

    VotedYea on: Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017 (S 722)

    Yes check.svg Bill Passed (98-2) on June 15, 2017
    Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.[46]

Campaign finance

The chart below contains data from financial reports submitted to theFederal Election Commission.

NamePartyReceipts*Disbursements**Cash on handDate
Angus KingIndependent$5,508,241$5,150,506$385,671 As of December 31, 2018
Zak RingelsteinDemocratic Party$390,115$386,952$3,163 As of December 31, 2018
Eric BrakeyRepublican Party$962,795$962,183$612 As of December 31, 2018

Source:Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2018. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

*According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee."
**According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election.


Noteworthy events

Brett Kavanaugh confirmation vote

See also:Supreme Court vacancy, 2018: An overview

On October 6, 2018, theU.S. Senate voted to confirm the nomination of JudgeBrett Kavanaugh to theU.S. Supreme Court. Fifty senators voted to confirm Kavanaugh's nomination, 48 voted against, and Sen.Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted present. A simple majority was required to confirm Kavanaugh.[47]

King voted against Kavanaugh's confirmation based on his public statements and rulings. He added in a statement that "the deeply conservative dark money groups investing millions in those glossy TV ads we are seeing about what a nice guy he is know exactly what they are getting, and it’s not balls and strikes. The existence of this campaign probably tells us more about what kind of judge he will be than any opinion, speech, or Senate testimony."[48]

Ringelstein said he would have voted against Kavanaugh's confirmation. He called his appointment "an existential threat to justice in America."[49]

Brakey said he would have voted to confirm Kavanaugh. He tweeted, "[F]ake Independent @SenAngusKing surprises no one, siding with @SenSchumer and @NancyPelosi once again."[50]

Who is going to win?

Race ratings

See also:Race rating definitions and methods
Race ratings: U.S. Senate election in Maine, 2018
Race trackerRace ratings
October 30, 2018October 23, 2018October 16, 2018October 9, 2018
The Cook Political ReportSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid Democratic
Inside Elections with Nathan L. GonzalesSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid DemocraticSolid Democratic
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal BallSafe DemocraticSafe DemocraticSafe DemocraticSafe Democratic
Note: Ballotpedia updates external race ratings every two weeks throughout the election season.

Ranked-choice voting

On November 8, 2016, Maine voters approved theMaine Ranked Choice Voting Initiative, which provided for the use ofranked-choice voting (RCV) in both primary and general elections forUnited States senators,United States representatives, thegovernor,state senators, andstate representatives. On February 2, 2017, the Maine State Senate voted 24 to 10 to ask the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to review the initiative and issue an advisory opinion on its constitutionality. On May 23, 2017, theMaine Supreme Judicial Court issued a unanimous advisory opinion finding that the law's provisions applying to general elections for state legislators and the governor violated the state constitution.[51][52][53][54]

A repeal bill introduced in light of the advisory opinion failed to clear the legislature, as did a bill providing for partial implementation (for those offices not affected by the advisory opinion) and a bill providing for a constitutional amendment to allow for full implementation. During a special legislative session convened on October 23, 2017, the state legislature approvedLD 1646, a bill delaying the implementation of RCV pending voter approval of a constitutional amendment to allow for the use of RCV. The bill set a deadline of December 1, 2021, and provided for the repeal of ranked-choice voting if an amendment was not passed by that date. RCV proponents initiated aveto referendum campaign to overturn the bill. On March 5, 2018, the secretary of state announced that a sufficient number of valid signatures had been submitted to place the referendum on the June 12, 2018, primary election ballot, meaning that LD 1646 would be suspended and ranked-choice voting would be used for federal and state offices in the June 2018 primary election. If LD 1646 is repealed as a result of the veto referendum, RCV will remain in place unless the legislature or the courts take actions to change the statute. If LD 1646 is upheld, the law's provisions as described above will take effect.[55][56][57][58][59][60]

On March 29, 2018, Secretary of StateMatthew Dunlap (D) announced that he had been notified by Assistant Attorney General Phyllis Gardiner of "legal concerns regarding the implementation of ranked-choice voting" that might prohibit its use in the June 2018 primary election. On April 3, 2018, Kennebec County Superior Court JusticeMichaela Murphy issued anopinion inCommittee for Ranked-Choice Voting v. Dunlap ordering state officials to proceed with the implementation of ranked-choice voting in June. Murphy wrote the following in her opinion: "The uncertainty that halting the ranked-choice voting implementation process at this late date causes is significant. Clarity, stability and public confidence are essential to ensure the legitimacy of Maine elections." In a separate lawsuit,Senate of Maine v. Dunlap, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled unanimously that "ranked-choice voting is the current statutory law of Maine for the primary elections to be held on June 12, 2018." The court noted that its ruling "focuses only on the June 2018 primary election; it does not address any other potential application of ranked-choice voting in Maine," allowing for the possibility of further substantive challenges to the law's validity in future elections.[61][62][63][64]

Other 2018 statewide elections

See also:States with both gubernatorial and U.S. Senate elections in 2018

This race took place in one of twenty-two states that held elections for bothgovernor andU.S. Senate in 2018.

A table of where these elections occurred, the names of incumbents prior to the 2018 elections, and links to our coverage of these races can be viewed by clicking "[show]" on the banner below:

States holding both Gubernatorial and Senate elections in 2018
StateIncumbent GovernorOpen Seat?Incumbent SenatorOpen Seat?
ArizonaRepublican PartyDoug DuceyNoRepublican PartyJeff FlakeYes
CaliforniaDemocratic PartyJerry BrownYesDemocratic PartyDianne FeinsteinNo
ConnecticutDemocratic PartyDan MalloyYesDemocratic PartyChris MurphyNo
FloridaRepublican PartyRick ScottYesDemocratic PartyBill NelsonNo
HawaiiDemocratic PartyDavid IgeNoDemocratic PartyMazie HironoNo
MaineRepublican PartyPaul LePageYesGrey.pngAngus KingNo
MarylandRepublican PartyLarry HoganNoDemocratic PartyBen CardinNo
MassachusettsRepublican PartyCharlie BakerNoDemocratic PartyElizabeth WarrenNo
MichiganRepublican PartyRick SnyderYesDemocratic PartyDebbie StabenowNo
MinnesotaDemocratic PartyMark DaytonYesDemocratic PartyAmy KlobucharNo
NebraskaRepublican PartyPete RickettsNoRepublican PartyDeb FischerNo
NevadaRepublican PartyBrian SandovalYesRepublican PartyDean HellerNo
New MexicoRepublican PartySusana MartinezYesDemocratic PartyMartin HeinrichNo
New YorkDemocratic PartyAndrew CuomoNoDemocratic PartyKirsten GillibrandNo
OhioRepublican PartyJohn KasichYesDemocratic PartySherrod BrownNo
PennsylvaniaDemocratic PartyTom WolfNoDemocratic PartyBob Casey, Jr.No
Rhode IslandDemocratic PartyGina RaimondoNoDemocratic PartySheldon WhitehouseNo
TennesseeRepublican PartyBill HaslamYesRepublican PartyBob CorkerYes
TexasRepublican PartyGreg AbbottNoRepublican PartyTed CruzNo
VermontRepublican PartyPhil ScottNoGrey.pngBernie SandersNo
WisconsinRepublican PartyScott WalkerNoDemocratic PartyTammy BaldwinNo
WyomingRepublican PartyMatt MeadYesRepublican PartyJohn BarrassoNo

Wave election analysis

See also:Wave elections (1918-2016)

The termwave election is frequently used to describe an election cycle in which one party makessignificant electoral gains. How many seats would Republicans have had to lose for the 2018 midterm election to be considered a wave election?

Ballotpedia examined the results of the 50 election cycles that occurred between 1918 and 2016—spanning from PresidentWoodrow Wilson's (D) second midterm in 1918 toDonald Trump's (R) first presidential election in 2016.We define wave elections as the 20 percent of elections in that period resulting in the greatest seat swings against the president's party.

Applying this definition toU.S. Senate elections, we found that Republicans needed to loseseven seats for 2018 to qualify as awave election.

The chart below shows the number of seats the president's party lost in the 10 U.S. Senate waves from 1918 to 2016.Click here to read the full report.

U.S. Senate wave elections
YearPresidentPartyElection typeSenate seats changeSenate majority[65]
1932HooverRPresidential-13D (flipped)
1958EisenhowerRSecond midterm-12D
1946TrumanDFirst midterm-10R (flipped)
1980CarterDPresidential-9R (flipped)
2014ObamaDSecond midterm-9R (flipped)
1942RooseveltDThird midterm-8D
2008George W. BushDPresidential-8D
1926CoolidgeRFirst midterm[66]-7R
1930HooverRFirst midterm-7R
1986ReaganRSecond midterm-7D (flipped)

Election history

2014

U.S. Senate, Maine General Election, 2014
PartyCandidateVote %Votes
    RepublicanGreen check mark transparent.pngSusan CollinsIncumbent67%413,505
    Democratic Shenna Bellows30.8%190,254
    Other Other0%269
    Blank None2.1%12,968
Total Votes616,996
Source:Maine Secretary of State Official Results

2012

U.S. Senate, Maine General Election, 2012
PartyCandidateVote %Votes
    IndependentGreen check mark transparent.pngAngus King51.1%370,580
    Democratic Cynthia Dill12.8%92,900
    Republican Charles Summers29.7%215,399
    Libertarian Andrew Ian Dodge0.8%5,624
    Independent Danny Francis Dalton0.8%5,807
    Independent Stephen Woods1.4%10,289
    N/A Blank Votes3.3%24,121
Total Votes724,720
Source:Maine Secretary of State "United States Senate Election Results"

Pivot Counties

See also:Pivot Counties by state

Eight of 16 Maine counties—50 percent—arePivot Counties. Pivot Counties are counties that voted forBarack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012 and forDonald Trump (R) in 2016. Altogether, the nation had 206 Pivot Counties, with most being concentrated in upper midwestern and northeastern states.

Counties won by Trump in 2016 and Obama in 2012 and 2008
CountyTrump margin of victory in 2016Obama margin of victory in 2012Obama margin of victory in 2008
Androscoggin County, Maine9.38%12.78%15.22%
Aroostook County, Maine17.19%7.62%9.58%
Franklin County, Maine5.47%18.41%20.29%
Kennebec County, Maine3.58%13.46%14.78%
Oxford County, Maine12.94%14.73%16.04%
Penobscot County, Maine10.91%2.93%5.12%
Somerset County, Maine22.67%1.68%5.70%
Washington County, Maine18.44%1.60%1.01%

In the 2016 presidential election,Hillary Clinton (D) won Maine with 47.8 percent of the vote.Donald Trump (R) received 44.9 percent. In 2016, Maine had four electoral votes. Maine's share of electoral votes represented 0.7 percent of the 538 electoral votes up for grabs in the general election and 1.5 percent of the 270 votes needed to be elected president. Maine awards its electoral votes by congressional district and the popular vote. It has two electoral votes for the statewide vote and one for each of its two congressional districts. In presidential elections between 1820 and 2016, Maine voted Republican 67.3 percent of the time and Democratic 32.6 percent of the time. In the five presidential elections between 2000 and 2016, Maine voted Democratic all five times.[67]

Presidential results by legislative district

The following table details results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections by state House districts in Maine. Click[show] to expand the table. The "Obama," "Romney," "Clinton," and "Trump" columns describe the percent of the vote each presidential candidate received in the district. The "2012 Margin" and "2016 Margin" columns describe the margin of victory between the two presidential candidates in those years. The "Party Control" column notes which party held that seat heading into the 2018 general election. Data on the results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections broken down by state legislative districts was compiled byDaily Kos.[68][69]

In 2012, Barack Obama (D) won 129 out of 151 state House districts in Maine with an average margin of victory of 19.2 points. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D) won 69 out of 151 state House districts in Maine with an average margin of victory of 23.7 points. Clinton won nine districts controlled by Republicans heading into the 2018 elections.
In 2012, Mitt Romney (R) won 22 out of 151 state House districts in Maine with an average margin of victory of 8.7 points. In 2016, Donald Trump (R) won 82 out of 151 state House districts in Maine with an average margin of victory of 16 points. Trump won 17 districts controlled by Democrats heading into the 2018 elections.
2016 presidential results by state House district
DistrictObamaRomney2012 MarginClintonTrump2016 MarginParty Control
164.22%33.76%D+30.562.55%31.23%D+31.3D
257.25%40.85%D+16.454.49%39.23%D+15.3D
357.10%41.89%D+15.256.99%37.44%D+19.5D
456.87%41.62%D+15.253.70%40.57%D+13.1D
548.42%49.31%R+0.940.09%52.91%R+12.8R
654.77%43.03%D+11.749.42%43.22%D+6.2D
754.04%44.26%D+9.850.52%43.02%D+7.5R
857.56%40.71%D+16.857.68%35.92%D+21.8D
958.64%39.98%D+18.756.60%37.23%D+19.4R
1054.02%43.13%D+10.941.58%50.80%R+9.2R
1166.36%31.38%D+3555.49%37.35%D+18.1D
1269.51%27.82%D+41.755.49%37.35%D+18.1D
1363.20%35.03%D+28.254.95%39.36%D+15.6D
1463.73%34.40%D+29.358.39%35.61%D+22.8D
1560.76%37.27%D+23.552.98%40.36%D+12.6D
1652.74%44.50%D+8.240.29%52.24%R+11.9R
1752.83%44.53%D+8.336.47%55.51%R+19R
1861.34%36.11%D+25.245.60%45.84%R+0.2D
1957.69%40.05%D+17.644.20%48.08%R+3.9R
2046.78%50.23%R+3.432.83%60.18%R+27.3R
2152.88%44.78%D+8.139.31%53.47%R+14.2R
2250.96%46.27%D+4.737.84%55.25%R+17.4R
2350.59%47.44%D+3.240.02%53.28%R+13.3R
2451.97%45.85%D+6.143.87%49.17%R+5.3D
2552.34%45.03%D+7.343.87%49.17%R+5.3R
2657.85%40.10%D+17.752.22%41.41%D+10.8D
2755.21%42.99%D+12.252.66%40.37%D+12.3D
2854.16%44.13%D+1055.14%39.08%D+16.1R
2954.16%44.13%D+1055.14%39.08%D+16.1R
3063.23%35.50%D+27.770.43%24.88%D+45.6D
3172.88%25.36%D+47.574.35%20.62%D+53.7D
3266.87%31.00%D+35.965.27%29.03%D+36.2D
3367.72%30.37%D+37.462.55%31.48%D+31.1R
3461.95%35.19%D+26.857.32%35.48%D+21.8D
3563.65%34.15%D+29.555.04%37.86%D+17.2D
3669.85%28.12%D+41.769.99%24.69%D+45.3D
3774.82%22.79%D+5274.84%19.17%D+55.7D
3884.99%10.96%D+7484.49%9.56%D+74.9D
3984.15%12.47%D+71.781.52%12.27%D+69.3D
4083.40%12.49%D+70.979.10%12.76%D+66.3D
4174.79%22.43%D+52.475.16%19.11%D+56D
4273.59%24.03%D+49.673.34%21.68%D+51.7D
4360.77%37.87%D+22.964.59%30.36%D+34.2D
4454.86%43.78%D+11.161.70%33.10%D+28.6D
4552.97%45.45%D+7.558.41%35.08%D+23.3D
4653.97%43.54%D+10.450.88%42.34%D+8.5R
4761.12%37.17%D+23.967.44%26.84%D+40.6D
4863.72%34.42%D+29.362.79%30.71%D+32.1D
4966.60%30.87%D+35.764.31%29.15%D+35.2D
5066.60%30.87%D+35.764.31%29.15%D+35.2D
5158.58%39.45%D+19.155.69%38.65%D+17D
5263.98%33.34%D+30.658.51%33.61%D+24.9D
5356.02%41.61%D+14.445.84%46.96%R+1.1R
5457.11%40.82%D+16.353.00%39.43%D+13.6D
5552.51%44.95%D+7.640.95%51.26%R+10.3D
5650.09%46.77%D+3.335.42%57.00%R+21.6R
5749.74%47.49%D+2.331.76%61.09%R+29.3R
5856.16%41.59%D+14.640.51%52.08%R+11.6D
5959.75%38.11%D+21.648.86%44.30%D+4.6D
6069.63%27.53%D+42.163.88%29.58%D+34.3D
6160.40%36.73%D+23.745.18%47.33%R+2.2D
6257.96%39.18%D+18.845.94%45.57%D+0.4D
6356.47%40.52%D+15.943.52%48.81%R+5.3R
6454.78%42.67%D+12.144.04%47.76%R+3.7D
6550.66%47.08%D+3.640.92%51.66%R+10.7R
6652.42%45.33%D+7.141.68%51.40%R+9.7D
6750.43%47.14%D+3.342.81%49.99%R+7.2R
6850.59%46.79%D+3.836.57%55.59%R+19R
6952.79%44.16%D+8.640.88%51.15%R+10.3R
7053.93%43.29%D+10.642.30%49.47%R+7.2R
7154.29%42.05%D+12.239.51%52.35%R+12.8R
7251.93%45.45%D+6.534.53%56.78%R+22.2R
7353.53%42.96%D+10.637.43%53.69%R+16.3R
7462.03%35.41%D+26.642.38%49.51%R+7.1D
7548.71%48.59%D+0.133.59%60.03%R+26.4R
7654.86%42.71%D+12.244.90%48.25%R+3.3R
7750.66%46.96%D+3.739.35%52.33%R+13R
7853.91%43.85%D+10.142.60%49.76%R+7.2D
7947.84%49.51%R+1.735.30%57.05%R+21.7R
8052.45%44.63%D+7.836.64%55.48%R+18.8R
8154.77%42.68%D+12.147.50%44.64%D+2.9D
8248.51%48.09%D+0.434.29%57.59%R+23.3I
8356.63%40.02%D+16.647.31%44.95%D+2.4D
8456.51%41.13%D+15.449.40%43.45%D+6D
8559.68%38.00%D+21.750.35%41.91%D+8.4D
8659.23%37.24%D+2249.50%42.73%D+6.8R
8752.02%45.12%D+6.940.62%52.15%R+11.5R
8851.72%45.78%D+5.939.27%53.65%R+14.4R
8954.45%43.61%D+10.851.10%41.67%D+9.4R
9059.64%38.13%D+21.556.53%37.50%D+19D
9150.59%46.34%D+4.240.13%53.06%R+12.9R
9259.72%37.88%D+21.852.61%41.62%D+11D
9363.76%33.86%D+29.956.36%36.44%D+19.9D
9465.85%32.61%D+33.267.70%27.26%D+40.4I
9552.53%44.46%D+8.143.05%50.09%R+7R
9653.22%43.96%D+9.346.09%45.62%D+0.5D
9760.95%36.52%D+24.457.61%35.28%D+22.3D
9850.39%46.30%D+4.140.80%51.21%R+10.4R
9949.59%46.79%D+2.838.95%51.81%R+12.9R
10041.66%55.96%R+14.330.51%62.28%R+31.8R
10148.05%50.31%R+2.342.68%49.76%R+7.1R
10243.04%54.85%R+11.832.72%60.41%R+27.7R
10340.91%57.49%R+16.631.01%62.88%R+31.9R
10441.88%55.97%R+14.129.63%63.01%R+33.4R
10542.29%54.99%R+12.728.06%64.26%R+36.2R
10649.42%48.50%D+0.933.92%58.24%R+24.3R
10757.01%40.00%D+1741.97%51.07%R+9.1D
10853.21%43.49%D+9.738.84%53.47%R+14.6R
10967.24%30.12%D+37.158.40%33.72%D+24.7D
11063.87%33.47%D+30.454.37%37.58%D+16.8D
11150.44%46.68%D+3.836.86%56.60%R+19.7R
11253.48%42.87%D+10.637.66%52.96%R+15.3R
11360.85%35.30%D+25.548.50%41.70%D+6.8R
11455.26%41.90%D+13.438.76%52.49%R+13.7R
11558.85%38.24%D+20.638.90%52.27%R+13.4D
11660.75%35.80%D+24.935.54%54.38%R+18.8R
11755.13%41.53%D+13.643.57%47.95%R+4.4R
11845.86%51.52%R+5.731.81%61.90%R+30.1R
11945.96%51.43%R+5.532.24%61.04%R+28.8R
12046.60%50.44%R+3.835.73%56.84%R+21.1R
12145.21%52.49%R+7.334.05%59.30%R+25.2D
12263.72%33.19%D+30.553.84%37.36%D+16.5D
12371.47%24.38%D+47.164.13%26.92%D+37.2D
12459.61%38.17%D+21.455.14%36.96%D+18.2D
12558.95%38.77%D+20.253.33%38.99%D+14.3D
12658.95%38.77%D+20.253.33%38.99%D+14.3D
12758.95%38.77%D+20.253.33%38.99%D+14.3D
12848.27%49.97%R+1.742.23%50.10%R+7.9R
12946.34%51.62%R+5.338.68%53.96%R+15.3R
13050.42%47.47%D+2.938.87%53.71%R+14.8R
13153.33%44.07%D+9.344.62%48.28%R+3.7R
13250.56%46.18%D+4.443.40%48.98%R+5.6D
13361.90%35.54%D+26.458.29%34.81%D+23.5D
13465.13%32.50%D+32.656.99%36.58%D+20.4D
13565.78%31.66%D+34.165.51%28.90%D+36.6D
13648.92%47.96%D+138.51%53.59%R+15.1R
13745.33%52.54%R+7.232.99%60.19%R+27.2R
13846.20%51.54%R+5.333.60%59.26%R+25.7D
13952.45%44.64%D+7.842.77%50.10%R+7.3R
14054.52%42.52%D+1242.09%50.96%R+8.9D
14140.37%57.48%R+17.125.45%68.33%R+42.9R
14244.25%53.03%R+8.830.36%63.04%R+32.7R
14352.29%45.49%D+6.837.41%56.99%R+19.6D
14442.14%55.70%R+13.630.93%63.59%R+32.7R
14538.61%58.67%R+20.124.60%69.65%R+45R
14642.70%55.08%R+12.431.90%62.06%R+30.2R
14752.79%44.50%D+8.342.10%49.42%R+7.3R
14854.63%42.47%D+12.240.30%53.21%R+12.9D
14952.29%45.53%D+6.840.55%52.79%R+12.2R
15072.28%25.81%D+46.551.67%42.92%D+8.7D
15162.84%35.10%D+27.743.90%50.45%R+6.5D
Total56.44%41.10%D+15.347.97%45.00%D+3-
Source:Daily Kos

State overview

Partisan control

This section details the partisan control of federal and state positions in Maine heading into the 2018 elections.

Congressional delegation

  • Following the2016 elections, an independent held one U.S. Senate seat and a Republican held the other.
  • A Democrat held one of Maine's twoU.S. House seats, and a Republican held the other.

State executives

  • As of September 2018, Democrats held two of 10state executive positions, a Republican and an independent each held one, and the remaining positions were officially nonpartisan.
  • The governor of Maine was RepublicanPaul LePage. The state held an election forgovernor onNovember 6, 2018. Maine does not have a lieutenant governor.

State legislature

  • Democrats controlled thestate House. They had a 73-70 majority in the state House. Republicans control theMaine State Senate. They had an 18-17 majority in the chamber.

Trifecta status

  • Maine was underdivided government, meaning that the two parties shared control of the state government.Paul LePage (R) served as governor and Republicans controlled the state Senate while Democrats controlled the state House.

2018 elections

See also:Maine elections, 2018

Maine held elections for the following positions in 2018:

Demographics

Demographic data for Maine
 MaineU.S.
Total population:1,329,453316,515,021
Land area (sq mi):30,8433,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White:95%73.6%
Black/African American:1.1%12.6%
Asian:1.1%5.1%
Native American:0.6%0.8%
Pacific Islander:0%0.2%
Two or more:2%3%
Hispanic/Latino:1.5%17.1%
Education
High school graduation rate:91.6%86.7%
College graduation rate:29%29.8%
Income
Median household income:$49,331$53,889
Persons below poverty level:16.6%11.3%
Source:U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015)
Clickhere for more information on the 2020 census andhere for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Maine.
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the censushere.

As of July 2016, Maine's three largest cities were Portland (pop. est. 65,000), Lewiston (pop. est. 35,000), and Bangor (pop. est. 30,000).[70]

State election history

This section provides an overview of federal and state elections in Maine from 2000 to 2016. All data comes from theMaine Secretary of State and theFederal Election Commission.

Historical elections

Presidential elections, 2000-2016

This chart shows the results of the presidential election in Maine every year from 2000 to 2016.

Election results (President of the United States), Maine 2000-2016
YearFirst-place candidateFirst-place candidate votes (%)Second-place candidateSecond-place candidate votes (%)Margin of victory (%)
2016Democratic PartyHillary Clinton47.8%Republican PartyDonald Trump44.9%2.9%
2012Democratic PartyBarack Obama56.3%Republican PartyMitt Romney41.0%15.3%
2008Democratic PartyBarack Obama57.7%Republican PartyJohn McCain40.4%17.3%
2004Democratic PartyJohn Kerry53.6%Republican PartyGeorge W. Bush44.6%9.0%
2000Democratic PartyAl Gore49.1%Republican PartyGeorge W. Bush44.0%5.1%

U.S. Senate elections, 2000-2016

This chart shows the results ofU.S. Senate races in Maine from 2000 to 2016. Every state has two Senate seats, and each seat goes up for election every six years. The terms of the seats are staggered so that roughly one-third of the seats are up every two years.

Election results (U.S. Senator), Maine 2000-2016
YearFirst-place candidateFirst-place candidate votes (%)Second-place candidateSecond-place candidate votes (%)Margin of victory (%)
2014Republican PartySusan Collins67.0%Democratic PartyShenna Bellows30.8%36.2%
2012Grey.pngAngus King51.1%Republican PartyCharles Summers29.7%21.4%
2008Republican PartySusan Collins61.3%Democratic Party Thomas H. Allen38.6%22.7%
2006Republican PartyOlympia Snowe74.0%Democratic Party Jean Hay Bright20.6%53.4%
2002Republican PartySusan Collins58.4%Democratic PartyChellie Pingree41.6%16.8%
2000Republican PartyOlympia Snowe68.9%Democratic PartyMark Lawrence31.1%37.8%

Gubernatorial elections, 2000-2016

This chart shows the results of the four gubernatorial elections held between 2000 and 2016. Gubernatorial elections are held every four years in Maine.

Election results (Governor), Maine 2000-2016
YearFirst-place candidateFirst-place candidate votes (%)Second-place candidateSecond-place candidate votes (%)Margin of victory (%)
2014Republican PartyPaul LePage48.2%Democratic PartyMike Michaud43.4%4.8%
2010Republican PartyPaul LePage37.6%Grey.pngEliot Cutler35.9%1.7%
2006Democratic PartyJohn E. Baldacci38.1%Republican Party Chandler E. Woodcock30.2%7.9%
2002Democratic PartyJohn E. Baldacci47.1%Republican Party Peter E. Cianchette41.5%5.6%

Congressional delegation, 2000-2016

This chart shows the number of Democrats and Republicans who were elected to represent Maine in theU.S. House from 2000 to 2016. Elections for U.S. House seats are held every two years.

Congressional delegation, Maine 2000-2016
YearRepublicansRepublicans (%)DemocratsDemocrats (%)Balance of power
2016Republican Party150.0%Democratic Party150.0%Even
2014Republican Party150.0%Democratic Party150.0%Even
2012Republican Party00%Democratic Party2100%D+2
2010Republican Party00%Democratic Party2100%D+2
2008Republican Party00%Democratic Party2100%D+2
2006Republican Party00%Democratic Party2100%D+2
2004Republican Party00%Democratic Party2100%D+2
2002Republican Party00%Democratic Party2100%D+2
2000Republican Party00%Democratic Party2100%D+2

Trifectas, 1992-2017

Astate government trifecta occurs when one party controls both chambers of the state legislature and the governor's office.

Maine Party Control: 1992-2025
Fifteen years of Democratic trifectas  •  Two years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year92939495969798990001020304050607080910111213141516171819202122232425
GovernorRRRIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDDRRRRRRRRDDDDDDD
SenateDDDRRDDDDSSDDDDDDDDRRDDRRRRDDDDDDD
HouseDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDRRDDDDDDDDDDDDD


See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑Ratings are based on projections found inGoverning,Larry Sabato,The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report,Decision Desk HQ, andThe Cook Political Report. These ratings are updated periodically throughout the election season.
  2. ↑The Washington Post, "Trump wants LePage to challenge King in U.S. Senate race in Maine," December 6, 2017
  3. ↑3.03.13.2Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  4. ↑Angus for Maine, "Issues," accessed October 19, 2018
  5. ↑Ringelstein for Maine, "Issues," accessed October 19, 2018
  6. ↑Brakey U.S. Senate, "On the Issues," accessed October 19, 2018
  7. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment with an Amendment)," December 18, 2018
  8. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Conference Report (Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2)," December 11, 2018
  9. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Nomination (Confirmation Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," October 6, 2018
  10. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture Re: Brett M. Kavanaugh to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," October 5, 2018
  11. ↑Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 2, As Amended)," June 28, 2018
  12. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1959)," February 15, 2018
  13. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1958 As Modified)," February 15, 2018
  14. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1948)," February 15, 2018
  15. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1955)," February 15, 2018
  16. ↑Senate.gov, "On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to the Consideration of S. 2311)," January 29, 2018
  17. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Amendment (McConnell Amdt. No. 667)," July 28, 2017
  18. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Amendment (Paul Amdt. No. 271 )," July 26, 2017
  19. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline Re: Amdt. No. 270)," July 25, 2017
  20. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Proceed to H.R. 1628)," July 25, 2017
  21. ↑U.S. Senate, "On the Nomination (Confirmation: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," April 7, 2017
  22. ↑U.S. Senate, "On the Cloture Motion (Upon Reconsideration, Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Nomination of Neil M. Gorsuch of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," April 6, 2017
  23. ↑U.S. Senate, "On the Decision of the Chair (Shall the Decision of the Chair Stand as the Judgment of the Senate?)," April 6, 2017
  24. ↑U.S. Senate, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Nomination of Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," April 6, 2017
  25. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Conference Report (Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6157)," September 18, 2018
  26. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Conference Report (Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 5895)," September 12, 2018
  27. ↑Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H. R. 6157 As Amended)," August 23, 2018
  28. ↑Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 5895 As Amended)," June 25, 2018
  29. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1625)," March 23, 2018
  30. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1892 with an Amendment (SA 1930))," February 9, 2018
  31. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 695)," February 8, 2018
  32. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment with Further Amendment)," January 22, 2018
  33. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture: Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 195)," January 22, 2018
  34. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture: House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 195)," January 19, 2018
  35. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1370)," December 21, 2017
  36. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Motion to Recede from the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1 and Concur with Further Amendment ," December 20, 2017
  37. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Joint Resolution (H.J. Res. 123)," December 7, 2017
  38. ↑Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 1 As Amended )," December 2, 2017
  39. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Concurrent Resolution (H. Con. Res. 71 As Amended)," October 19, 2017
  40. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amdt. to the Senate Amdt. with an Amdt. No. 808 to H.R. 601)," September 7, 2017
  41. ↑U.S. Senate, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 244)," May 4, 2017
  42. ↑Senate.gov, "On the Joint Resolution (S.J. Res. 54, As Amended), December 13, 2018
  43. ↑Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 2810 As Amended)," September 18, 2017
  44. ↑The Hill, "Senate sends $692B defense policy bill to Trump's desk," November 15, 2017
  45. ↑Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 3364)," July 27, 2017
  46. ↑Senate.gov, "On Passage of the Bill (S. 722 As Amended)," June 15, 2017
  47. ↑New York Times, "Kavanaugh Is Sworn In After Close Confirmation Vote in Senate Video," October 6, 2018
  48. ↑Angus King, "After Thorough Review, King Announces Opposition to Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s Nomination to Supreme Court," September 12, 2018
  49. ↑Twitter, "Ringelstein for Maine," September 10, 2018
  50. ↑Twitter, "Senator Brakey," September 12, 2018
  51. ↑League of Women Voters, "Citizen Referendum on Ranked Choice Voting," accessed November 13, 2014
  52. ↑Maine Legislature, "SO 12," accessed February 3, 2017
  53. ↑Maine Public Radio, "Maine Supreme Court: Ranked Choice Voting Law Conflicts with State Constitution," May 23, 2017
  54. ↑Bangor Daily News, "Maine Supreme Judicial Court rules ranked-choice voting unconstitutional," May 23, 2017
  55. ↑Maine Legislature, "LD 1646 Overview," accessed October 24, 2017
  56. ↑Portland Press Herald, "Ranked-choice voting supporters to begin 'people’s veto' campaign today," November 6, 2017
  57. ↑Ballot Access News, "Maine Referendum in Support of Ranked Choice Voting Gathers 33,000 Signatures on First Day," November 14, 2017
  58. ↑Ballot Access News, "Maine Referendum to Save Ranked-Choice Voting is Two-Thirds Finished," December 19, 2017
  59. ↑Ballot Access News, "Maine Ranked Choice Voting Supporters Submit Petition on Friday, February 2," February 1, 2018
  60. ↑Bristol Herald Courier, "Maine races to implement election overhaul before June vote," March 25, 2018
  61. ↑Department of the Secretary of State, State of Maine, "Secretary Dunlap seeking guidance on implementation of ranked-choice voting," March 29, 2018
  62. ↑Portland Press Herald, "Doubt surrounds Maine’s plan to use ranked-choice voting in June 12 primaries," March 29, 2018
  63. ↑Bangor Daily News, "Maine’s top court asked to make deciding call on ranked-choice voting," April 11, 2018
  64. ↑Maine Supreme Judicial Court, "Maine Senate v. Secretary of State et al.: Per Curiam," April 17, 2018
  65. ↑Denotes the party that had more seats in the U.S. House following the election.
  66. ↑Calvin Coolidge's (R) first term began in August 1923 after the death of President Warren Harding (R), who was first elected in 1920. Before he had his first midterm in 1926, Coolidge was re-elected as president in 1924.
  67. ↑270towin.com, "Maine," accessed June 1, 2017
  68. ↑Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts," July 9, 2013
  69. ↑Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2016 presidential results for congressional and legislative districts," February 6, 2017
  70. ↑Maine Demographics, "Maine Cities by Population," accessed September 6, 2018
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