Sen. King Critiques Executive Actions – May 15 Newsletter

New Contribution Cap Levels Playing Field for Independent Gubernatorial Hopefuls

U.S. Senator Angus King has been vocally critical of President Donald Trump’s executive actions during the first 100 days of his term. King’s concerns culminated in a floor speech that he described as an update to Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith’s 1950 “Declaration of Conscience.” He expressed worries about the president being “unbound by law” and making impulsive decisions, aiming his remarks primarily at Republicans.

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Partisan Conflict Over Maine’s State Budget

Maine’s state budget process has been fraught with partisan conflict in 2025. After Republicans reversed their stance on a bipartisan budget deal in February, it took six weeks of debate for Democrats to pass an $11.3 billion budget on their own. This left many issues unresolved, with only about $130 million remaining to address a projected $120 million shortfall in the MaineCare budget. Tensions escalated during a heated appropriations committee meeting, where Republicans argued the budget process was effectively over, while Democrats pushed for further negotiations.

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Former Governor Paul LePage Announces Congressional Run

Former Maine Governor Paul LePage has officially announced his candidacy for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. This marks a significant political comeback, as LePage, who previously served as governor, is now aiming to represent Maine at the federal level. His entry into the race is expected to have substantial implications for the 2026 political landscape in Maine.

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Democratic Primary Challenge Brewing

State Auditor, Matt Dunlap, is considering a primary run against U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, citing Golden’s support for the controversial SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. This potential primary contest underscores internal party tensions and could reshape Maine’s political landscape leading up to the 2026 elections.