Maine’s U.S. Senate and gubernatorial candidates are poised to take the stage in a handful of debates ahead of the June 9 primary.
The rivalry between Graham Platner and outgoing Gov. Janet Mills continues to generate an influx of ad spending and headlines as Democrats push to capitalize on a likely tough year for Republicans nationwide by ousting five-term Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.
Except for a debate this weekend that Mills will skip due to a scheduling conflict — just a week after she passed on a tribal forum — Platner and Mills will debate at least three times in May. Former state and federal official David Costello, who ran against independent U.S. Sen. Angus King in 2024, is the third candidate in the race
Here are the debates on the docket in both the Senate and gubernatorial primaries. We’ll update this when other events come up.
U.S. Senate
Saturday, April 11, at 3 p.m.
This debate at the Orion Performing Arts Center in Topsham will be hosted by the Sagadahoc County Democratic Committee. Platner and Costello have agreed to attend; Mills is not due to a scheduling conflict.
Thursday, May 7, at 7 p.m.
A televised debate on NewsCenter Maine and Maine Public in partnership with the Portland Press Herald.
Friday, May 12, at 8 p.m.
Televised debate on WMTW, WABI and WAGM.
Monday, May 18, at 7 p.m.
Televised debate on WGME in partnership with the Bangor Daily News. All candidates have been invited. Our rules require candidates to show viability, including by reaching 5% in a poll. Only Costello has not met that standard.
Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m.
Maine Democratic Party forum in Bangor. All candidates are invited.
Tuesday, May 26, at 6 p.m.
Maine Democratic Party forum in the 1st Congressional District. All candidates are invited.
Republican gubernatorial primary
Thursday, May 7, at 7 p.m.
Televised debate on WGME in partnership with the Bangor Daily News.
Wednesday, May 13
Pre-recorded debate on News Center Maine in partnership with the Maine Chamber of Commerce at Aura in Portland. The debate will be aired after the event.
Democratic gubernatorial primary
Thursday, April 30
Televised debate on WMTW.
Tuesday, May 5, at 7 p.m.
Televised debate on WGME in partnership with the Bangor Daily News.
Wednesday, May 13
Pre-recorded debate on News Center Maine in partnership with the Maine Chamber of Commerce at Aura in Portland. The debate will be aired after the event.
