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Our sparsely populated state has an outsized role to play in federal politics in 2026. With narrow margins in the U.S. House and few competitive districts in the nation, Maine’s 2nd Congressional District is an important battleground. Our choice could help the House resist some of the cruelty, shortsightedness and chaos of the Trump reign.
There is little hope of flipping the U.S. Senate. I believe we must hold our CD2 seat against the former governor who proudly calls himself, “Trump before Trump.”
Graham Platner, U.S. Senate candidate, has many qualities that I believe make him an exceptional candidate for all Mainers. Might he consider running for CD2 instead? As a charismatic, veteran and oysterfarmer who I believe stands firmly with the people, I believe he could defeat Paul LePage in CD2. While the current Democrat 2nd District candidates are good, based on attendance at Platner’s town halls, he presents a stronger candidate.
It is a huge leap from Sullivan harbormaster and planning board chair to six years in the Senate. Give voters a chance to test Platner and for him to learn. If he served three effective two-year terms in the House, he could then challenge Sen. Susan Collins or succeed Gov. Janet Mills in the Senate. (Mills, a two-time winner of statewide elections, might just defeat Collins, especially with Platner’s support. She has said she would only serve one term.)
Please tell the Platner campaign that we appreciate his willingness to step up and hope he’ll consider switching races soon, while the field is still taking shape.
Nancy Jacobson
Bangor