Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is testing the strength of his political movement in Maine on Tuesday as voters head to the polls in three Democratic primaries.Sanders has endorsed candidates for governor and Senate in Maine. In the 2nd Congressional District, Sanders has not endorsed a candidate, but one of the leading Democratic contenders has touted his longtime support for the Vermont senator.Sanders’s interest in the Pine Tree State comes as no surprise, as it has long embraced antiestablishment, populist candidates. The two-time presidential candidate won Maine during his 2016 run and finished second in 2020, losing to Joe Biden by fewer than 2,000 votes.
The state has a rich history of splitting tickets and embracing an independent streak. Moreover, despite voting Democrat in every presidential election since 1992, the state has not had a Democratic senator since 1995, though Sen. Angus King (I-ME) caucuses with the party. Maine’s conservative 2nd District, which President Donald Trump has never lost, has elected a Democrat since 2018.
Sanders has appeared in Maine for rallies three times since 2025, the most recent two appearances coming over Memorial Day weekend, as he tries to transform the state’s body politic.
