When Mainers vote Tuesday, the whole country will be watching. Races for U.S. Senate, both congressional seats and the state legislature are highly competitive, and the results could help decide which party controls Washington.
To cover a race this big, the Press Herald launched Maine Matters 2026. Through months of campaigning, this coverage on every platform has scrutinized the candidates, examined the issues and explained what’s at stake. Video is one of the main ways the newsroom tells those stories and Maine’s largest news outlet expanded that work this election season.
Along with original video from Press Herald journalists, a partnership with C-SPAN has given readers a front-row seat to campaign events they otherwise couldn’t see. The partnership is part of C-SPAN’s “Road to the Capitol” initiative, which places multimedia journalists in 10 battleground states, including Maine, to cover competitive House, Senate and governor’s races. Local news partners distribute full event video, key-moment clips and transcripts.
In Maine, the partnership has produced video of press conferences, endorsement speeches, business tours and unscripted moments on the trail. The partnership has recently captured:
- Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, accepting the endorsement of the Professional Fire Fighters of Maine and the International Association of Fire Fighters
- Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., campaigning in Freeport with Maine Democrats Troy Jackson and Hannah Pingree
- U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., drawing a crowd in Portland
- Remarks from former Gov. Paul LePage, the Republican candidate in the 2nd Congressional District, and former Sen. Joe Manchin
Because so many national figures have come to Maine, these races have drawn attention well beyond the state. The video lets Maine voters see firsthand what they said here.
On Election Day
All day Tuesday and into the night, Press Herald journalists across Maine will provide live coverage of the vote, with updates from polling places, campaign headquarters and victory parties as the races are called.
Thanks to the C-SPAN partnership, there is also expected to be live video of Senate victory/concession speeches from Susan Collins and Troy Jackson Tuesday night or into Wednesday when the outcome is known.
Readers can follow live results for races up and down the ballot, from U.S. Senate and governor to local races. Results are free, with no subscription required.
Voters who haven’t yet decided can use the Press Herald’s Voter Guide. It has candidate profiles, positions on the issues and everything needed to make an informed choice. The guide is also free, no subscription required.
After Election Night, C-SPAN video coverage will focus on any uncalled races, recounts and other legal actions.
