Draft 2026 Maine Democratic Platform

This is a critical moment in our nation. Our Constitution and our democracy are under attack by the current president, his administration, and the enablers in Congress putting self-interest above country. 

All who want to protect and restore Democracy and the rule of law must join in this fight for our nation’s soul. We the People remain dedicated to the concept that government exists to serve the People—all of the People—with the consent of the governed.

The rights enshrined in the Constitution apply to all, not just a favored few. The present administration has clearly sided with autocracy, authoritarianism, and fascism. Project 2025 is well on the way to implementing all three. The current president is acting only to enrich himself, his family, and his wealthy supporters while we see rising costs for basic needs—housing, healthcare, heating, energy—and increasing food insecurity, all driven by petulant tariff policies, broken trade agreements, and other chaos of his making.

The Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security are weaponized against people lawfully going about their lives. People are being prosecuted for exercising their constitutional right to free speech—even when they speak the truth. Armed, anonymous Border Patrol and ICE thugs inflict violence, detain people—even children—in inhumane conditions, and murder innocent citizens and immigrants, all in violation of our laws and the Constitution. 

This administration is an aggressive threat to the U.S. Constitution, the People, the free press, and free and fair elections. It is repeatedly using unlawful military force against other nations. Impeachment and removal are the Constitutionally defined remedy and a profound sworn duty of Congress amid this Constitutional crisis.

Maine Democrats are committed to making a more perfect union, not the direction that MAGA is embracing—toward white supremacy, fascism, tyranny, and making second class citizens of women and recent immigrants. The People of the Lie will not defeat We the People.

We stand with every person of good will yearning to live a meaningful life, thrive, contribute to our communities, and call Maine home, whether they are indigenous, immigrated generations ago, or have newly arrived. Since its inception our nation has grown through the struggles of people to better implement the founding principles that all people are equal and the rule of law is supreme. We do not have kings.

Even as we hold dear the rights, freedoms, and framework that our Constitution and laws provide, we understand the need to do better in fulfilling these founding principles. We must start now through bold change, not in some distant future. The following documents expand on how Maine Democrats view this important work ahead to serve Mainers and protect and strengthen our democracy.

Our Democracy and Constitution are under attack. We the People must protect them. The current administration is destroying our constitutional rights, violating our freedoms as Americans, usurping powers of the legislative branch, and ignoring decisions of the judicial branch. This dire constitutional crisis requires that we act immediately with courage and vigilance to prevent further damage and repair the damage already done. We must save our democracy by rejecting tyranny and fascism, and protecting the integrity of our elections. We must insist that public servants take their oaths of office seriously and act with integrity.

Saving Our Democracy

We Choose Democracy: We unequivocally reject fascism, authoritarianism, political violence, and any effort to replace freedom with fear or justice with cruelty.

The Constitution is Our Foundation: We the People must return our country to the democratic ideals of the Constitution by using every tool it provides, including impeachment and exercising our rights to peaceably protest and freedom of speech. We the People must make ourselves heard in opposing the wholesale violation of the Constitution by the current administration and its Congressional and Judicial enablers.

We Believe in the Rule of Law: No one—not presidents, not judges, not billionaires—is above the law. The Constitution does not grant immunity to anyone, including the president.

We Reject Theocracy: The Constitution provides that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. We will not yield ground to the subversion of these constitutional principles by religious extremists seeking theocracy

Democracy Requires Maintenance: We the People are the source of the creation and maintenance of our Constitutional Republic. Our Constitution must not only be protected but must evolve to meet the challenges and realities of modern times. Our founders never imagined some of the things that are now impacting our lives, functions of government, and the world around us. The founders never anticipated AI, modern weaponry or that corporations would be considered people. We must amend the Constitution to restore rights taken away by recent rulings of the Supreme Court.

Rejecting Tyranny

End Tyrannic Imperialism: We condemn use of the military forces of the United States in invasion or other acts of war against any country absent a constitutionally required declaration of war by Congress. False states of emergency are inexcusable. We further condemn such use of military forces to interfere in the sovereignty of any nation and contrary to treaties and international agreements.

Stop the Police State: We condemn the domestic use of federal forces to destabilize our communities and instill fear in an attempt to impose a dictatorship and authoritarian power. We condemn the culture of terrorism, brutality, and lawlessness which has taken over Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Protection. Illegal use of threats, deadly force, violence, chemical weapons, illegal searches, and other violations of due process of law have been normalized. ICE, Border Protection, and DHS must be rebuilt from the ground up.

Protecting Elections

We Must Ensure Safe, Free, and Fair Elections for All: Only in a democracy can the people choose their leaders and influence policy. The ability to vote is a right for all, not a privilege for a select few. The law must encourage and make easy the exercise of that right by all who are eligible, not restrict, block, or diminish the power of participation in any way. We are committed to a state-run secure voting process, free from intimidation and coercion, that safeguards the rights of both voters and poll workers.

Election Results Must Be Honored: We unequivocally support the lawful, peaceful, and just transfer of power to duly elected leaders. We will oppose by every constitutional and legal means those who try to disrupt that transfer. Insurrectionists must never hold public office. The wholesale pardoning of those found guilty of crimes related to the insurrection was an insult to public servants injured and killed risking their life to defend the Capitol.

We Will Counter Dishonest Information at All Levels: Voters deserve accurate news and information from trustworthy sources to help select their leaders. Lies, misinformation, disinformation, and media manipulation create a false perception of reality that erodes public trust, dishonestly creates a misinformed voting public and allows bad actors to influence election results.

Duties of Public Service

Act with Integrity: Our public servants have an obligation to be truthful, treat members of the public respectfully, and not conceal government operations or facts.  We expect officeholders to prioritize their duties over personal interests or enrichment, act in good faith, and in the best interest of The People. 

Honor Oaths of Office: We condemn any member of Congress who abdicates their duties under Article I of the Constitution, fails to protect against all enemies foreign and domestic, or enables a dictator to make whatever rules and take whatever actions they desire, usurping powers of the Judicial and Legislative branches to themself. We must impeach elected officials, cabinet members, and appointees who have breached their oaths or obligations under the Constitution.

Administer Justice Fairly: Lifetime appointments to the federal bench have allowed the conservative majority of the U.S. Supreme Court to violate their oaths of office to the Constitution without consequences. Some judges are making decisions based on political allegiances, personal beliefs, and financial benefits provided by right-wing organizations. Some lied to Congress to ensure their appointments. Impeachment proceedings are appropriate and necessary to address such corruption and dereliction of constitutionally assigned duties.

Never Abdicate Decisionmaking to A.I.: It is the responsibility of public servants to make appropriate, just decisions that are based on applying the law and the Constitution. Artificial Intelligence must never make judgments applying laws to persons, make decisions to use weaponry, or take any actions that influence life, death, or quality of life. A.I. has no allegiance to Democracy. It is incapable of humanity, empathy, life experience, morality, emotion, and has no innate concept of justice. Responsible public servants must review any A.I.-produced work for accuracy and suitability before use.

Affordability is a right—not a privilege—and together we can make Maine a place where everyone prospers and thrives. Our ultimate goal is to abolish poverty in Maine. The powers of government should be used to unrig the economy, disrupt exploitation, and address systemic inequalities. The wealthy are not more worthy or deserving than the workers and consumers who created that wealth. Every Mainer and their loved ones should be able to afford a roof over their head, a warm bed to sleep in, healthcare, childcare, education, food on their table, and transportation. By guaranteeing livable wages, ensuring fair taxes, and addressing rising costs, we will foster strong communities and a sustainable economy rooted in dignity and justice. We will build a society where everyone’s basic needs are met.

Freedom From Want

Enough Housing for All: Mainers need available housing for all phases of life. We will accelerate housing development—especially affordable housing—built with meaningful labor standards. We commit to programs that repair and rehabilitate existing housing.

Eliminate Barriers to Housing: To solve the homelessness crisis, we support the Housing First modeI and advocate for its growth in Maine. We must also provide programs for affordable mortgages, down-payment assistance for homebuyers, and rental assistance.

Protecting Renters: We will protect Mainers from extreme rent increases and protect tenants from unfair treatment and unfair eviction.

Balanced Zoning: Mainers need inclusive and diverse zoning policies so they can afford to live where they want.

Lowering Energy Costs: To lower home energy costs, we support programs for equitable access to green energy generation, efficiency improvements, and heating assistance. We are against utility providers profiteering from consumers’ basic needs. (See our full Energy plank.)

Putting Food on the Table: Everyone deserves access to food that is reasonably priced, safe, healthy, and locally-grown. 

Universal Healthcare: For far too long the profits of insurance companies have prevented access to care and led to unnecessary death and suffering for many people. We must transition to a Universal Healthcare system, including dental and mental health care, that is distributed fairly throughout the state—substantially lowering costs and ensuring care for everyone. (See our full Healthcare plank.)

Caring for All Mainers: We must achieve universal childcare and a robust statewide in-home care system. No one should have to sacrifice better jobs or quality of life to care for their loved ones.

Education for All: High-quality public education is a human right and an investment in our future. We will protect free public schools that are funded equitably throughout the state. We must bring our universities, community colleges, vocational schools, and other advancement opportunities within everybody’s reach. (See our full Education plank.)

Goin’ Places: We need a diverse and affordable transportation system so that Mainers can get to their jobs, safely ride their bikes, access their healthcare, and have mobility for a decent quality of life.

An Economy Rooted in Dignity & Justice

An Honest Day’s Work Deserves an Honest Day’s Pay: All labor is worthy of a livable wage. The fact that there are people working full-time jobs—even multiple jobs—who can’t make ends meet shows how unfair our economy is. To invigorate Maine communities, we need to create new, sustainable, well-paying jobs in compatible emerging industries and those rooted in our traditions—trades, crafts, working waterfronts, forestry, small farms, and tourism.

Trickle-Down Doesn’t Work: Let’s be clear, trickle-down economics has funneled trillions from the bottom 90% to the top 1%; it’s a failed economic theory that scuttled the American Dream. There must be a rebalancing; everybody must pay their fair share. We need an equitable system that taxes the wealthy at higher rates than people with lower incomes. Teachers shouldn’t be taxed more than billionaires.

Taking Care of All of Us: When billionaires pay their share, increased revenues will fund infrastructure investments for the common good, job creation programs, agricultural supports, bank reforms, worker protections, and a robust social safety net. These programs will bring an end to poverty and improve quality of life.

Consumer Protections: When the government functions as it should, it makes life more affordable—such as by breaking up monopolies, preventing price gouging, and protecting consumers from financial predators.

Safety Net: We must protect Social Security and disability benefits, as well as protecting Medicare and Medicaid through the transition to Universal Healthcare. We uphold the Americans with Disabilities Act, which empowers Mainers with disabilities to thrive with dignity.

Tax Fairness: To relieve the undue burden on residents of adequately funding our public schools, municipal services, and county budgets, Maine needs a smarter balance of relief programs, state-level tax revenues, and property taxes.

Our vision for a safer Maine is grounded in dignity, equity, and holistic community well-being. Maine is committed to the foundational principle: every resident deserves to feel and be safe and secure within their community. This safety is not merely an absence of harm but a prerequisite for all Mainers to thrive. Central to achieving this goal is the tenet that social connection is the most effective tool for preventing violence and crime. A well-functioning society relies on the consistent application of the rule of law and due process for all, alongside a mandate to pay special attention to the safety and protection of our most vulnerable populations.

Every Mainer Deserves to Be Safe in Their Own Communities

Living Free of Stigma: All people should be treated with respect and dignity. No person should be made unsafe by expressing their identity.

Help When You Need It: All communities must have responsive, robust, effective first responder teams who are adequately equipped, staffed, trained and resourced with qualified facilities. When you call for help in Maine, someone must be there to help you.

Healthy Communities are Safe Communities:  We must protect and expand our statewide public healthcare services, with an emphasis on our rural regions which have been neglected for too long. Vaccines are necessary to prevent dangerous diseases and to protect our communities. (See our full Healthcare plank.)

Agency over Reproductive Choice: All persons must have access to safe and effective reproductive healthcare and be free from persecution, violence, and abuse while receiving or providing care.

Community Planning & Infrastructure: Safe and accessible housing for all community members is foundational for safe and healthy neighborhoods. Updated planning strategies, including accommodations for new technology, make communities safe for walking, biking and driving. Strategies are also needed to fully consider the unprecedented harms and demands on local resources posed by siting of Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers.

Prevention of Violence and Crime

Freedom from Gun Violence: We support common-sense firearm policies that reduce gun violence, protect public safety, and keep weapons out of dangerous situations, without criminalizing responsible ownership. Maine’s sporting traditions are strengthened by common-sense firearm safety measures. We stand by Maine’s Red Flag Laws, which limit access to guns for violent offenders and people who threaten violence.

Fostering Social Connection: Communities thrive with healthy community spaces and programs that help prevent and reduce crime.

Caring for Our Communities: A robust continuum of care, which offers every level of service, is necessary to meet the mental and behavioral health needs of all Mainers to help prevent harm to individuals, families, and communities.

Ending Domestic Violence: We stand against all types of intimate partner violence. We support education, outreach, survivor services, and law enforcement training, as well as gun laws, to protect people from domestic violence.

Justice For All

Systemic Support: We support an expansive view of justice for all. Integration of communities and the justice system solves problems. When citizens, law enforcement, and courts collaborate and build relationships to prevent crime, support victims, repair harm, reintegrate offenders, and address systemic inequities, we are safer. Restorative practices are the preferred intervention under appropriate circumstances.

Representation for All: All people must have access to equitable legal advice and representation while involved with any part of the court system, including civil and immigration cases.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty: We must apply stronger regulation of interrogation techniques to prevent false confessions, standardization and certification in forensic science, and measures to safeguard liberty. We must implement and grow programs that work to exonerate the innocent.

Caring for Kids at Risk: Communities must provide youth with a robust continuum of care. The juvenile justice system must prioritize comprehensive mental health treatment, substance use treatment, education, life skills development, and reentry planning. If a youth requires an alternative living situation, a clean and safe facility with comprehensive programming is important to prevent trauma and further criminal behavior. Youth must be housed and treated based on risk level and need; rehabilitation is the central mission.

Keeping Promises: All allegations of violence and abuse must be treated with the respect and urgency they deserve by the appropriate investigating authorities. Survivors of rape need to be heard, supported and protected; which among other things, requires the creation of a system to manage rape test kits and requires that they be processed speedily in a trackable manner; the current backlog is a disgrace and must be addressed and processed expeditiously.

Keeping the Peace: Our law enforcement apparatus has a bitter history of being a source of violence, particularly against vulnerable communities. The current situation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) loudly demonstrates the chaos that can come from unchecked power. We support a culture of mutual respect and accountability between law enforcement and the community. When law enforcement receives high-quality training and oversight, abuses are independently investigated, and appropriate consequences are implemented, mutual trust and safety increases within the community and law enforcement.

Prioritizing Our Vulnerable Populations

Children: Maine children have innate human rights and deserve to be protected from violence, abuse, and neglect. Children deserve to live free from gun violence, which has been the leading cause of death for children for the last few years in America. We support safe, inclusive schools and other learning spaces free from violence, discrimination, and public health risks.

Differing Abilities: We believe in protecting and empowering people of all abilities to live independently and thrive; prioritizing folks staying near their support systems and accessing quality healthcare; when facility living is required, it must be appropriate, safe and clean with exceptional services.

Women: Women have the right to be safe in all the spaces they occupy. People should not die or suffer because they are denied reproductive healthcare; reproductive rights, including the right to abortion, must be added to the U.S. and Maine Constitutions. Women must not be stuck in unhealthy relationships or toxic careers because of a lack of options for childcare, housing, social support systems, transportation, job opportunities, or other resources. Because of lifelong economic disparities, older women disproportionately live in poverty; we support programs to improve safety and security for this population.

Older Mainers: We support an age-positive, anti-ageist culture in Maine, including programs for older Mainers that promote their health, help them to remain in their communities, ensure they can access care, and provide robust resources. We require regulations to protect us from fraudulent activities that have proliferated with AI and other technology; older people, especially, need protection from scams as they become harder to identify.

All workers deserve dignity in the workplace, regardless of where they come from, who they love, or how they live. A living wage, dignified and safe working conditions, access to healthcare, a comfortable retirement, and the right to organize a union must be part of every worker's life. Employers should be able to find qualified, well-educated workers to help their businesses succeed. A strong economy is one where businesses produce valued goods and services while treating workers well and earning employee trust. When communities encourage such businesses, both can thrive. With all of these things, everyone shares in the prosperity we create together.

Workers’ Rights: Maine workers’ rights must be protected. These include a right to organize a union without fear of harassment or retaliation, a right to strike, and a right to equal pay for equal work. We must also ensure that Maine never passes devastating “Right-to-Work” laws, which steal workers power and do nothing to provide any rights. State and federal governments must pro-actively protect worker’s rights, but we also recognize that there is no better protection of these rights than a strong union movement.

Worker Training and Support: We actively support essential public investments in field-level practices such as fairly compensated education-based apprentice and internship programming. We further advocate for continuous on-the-job advancement opportunities through subsidized licensing, and continuing certification and education opportunities. Training must be provided in emerging fields and technologies. 

Building Maine Communities: We support Community Benefits Agreements, Registered Apprentice Programs, Project Labor Agreements and Employer-Harmony agreements to ensure the fairest sharing of economic development in Maine. Together these mean development projects are negotiated to take care of the laborers as well as the communities—fair treatment of workers to share in the prosperity of the projects, adherence to safety and health regulations and standards, and ensure communities are compensated for consequential impacts.

Infrastructure: Building Maine’s physical and digital infrastructure is the foundation for a resilient economy, bridging the gap between rural communities, statewide improvements, and global markets to foster sustainable growth. These essential investments in transportation, schools and universities, marine infrastructure, water and wastewater systems, ecosystem services, and broadband networks ensure that workers can commute safely, families have reliable access to vital services, and small businesses have the shared resources to compete and flourish.

Small Businesses and Heritage Industries: As Maine’s economy evolves, we must preserve and strengthen the small businesses and bedrock industries that have sustained our state for generations—not out of nostalgia, but to ensure they can compete, grow, and prosper in a changing economy. By pairing Maine’s heritage industries with new technologies, access to capital, and business innovation, they can evolve into resilient, future-ready engines of economic opportunity that honor our roots while building a more competitive and sustainable economy.

Support Systems for Workers and their Families: We advocate for policies and practices in support of affordable, accessible and high-quality childcare and healthcare services for workers and their families. We must also provide viable and sustainable worker compensation, paid leave, and unemployment insurance programs for all Maine workers. (See our full Affordability plank and full Healthcare plank.)

Inclusivity in the Workplace: We must ensure our workforce reflects our communities. By being responsive to the needs of all in our communities, especially those who have historically been excluded—such as women, the LGBTQIA+ community, people of color, the immigrant community, people with disabilities, justice-involved Mainers, and those navigating substance-use disorder—we will continue to break down barriers and emphasize how diversity’s unique and impactful contributions are critical to Maine’s future. (See our full Justice, Equity, and Rights plank.)

AI and Automation: We must ensure that emerging workplace technologies, like AI and Automation, do not replace the skill and judgment of Maine workers. Rather, workers may use such technology as support in fulfilling their daily responsibilities. 

Workplace Safety: We must support safety regulatory agencies such as OSHA, MSA and NIOSH that have been gutted by the current administration. Maine regularly falls among the higher per capita states for workplace fatalities. That must change.

We believe that healthcare is a fundamental human right and that it must be affordable, inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all. No one should face barriers to care because of who they are, where they live, or what they earn. We must ensure that our health care system addresses the shared needs, dignity, and well-being of our population. Healthcare in Maine must be based on medical need and the best current science as determined by the physician and individual patient, not by corporate profits or unproven, politically-motivated, unscientific beliefs. A universal healthcare system is the most effective and equitable way to achieve this vision.

Care for All Individuals: We believe in quality care for all. Mainers deserve access to the full range of health services, including primary care, dental and vision care, emergency care, birthing services, mental health and substance use treatments, and preventive care, as well as access to advanced medical care for diseases and injuries.

Care for Families: We support delivery of care through the full lifecycle from family planning, birthing services, maternal health, and pre/postnatal care through to elder care. We support reinstating science-based vaccine recommendations for both children and adults. Vaccines must be fully covered for all residents.

Government Programs: We believe that earned benefits and safety net programs, including Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, must be strengthened, and their future solvency must be ensured. 

Care for Our Medical Community: We must invest in a skilled healthcare workforce; uphold the role of science and public health expertise in shaping policy; and modernize our healthcare systems through innovation, technology, and coordinated care models. We support expanding access to basic and continuing medical education to increase the number of qualified health care providers at all skill levels throughout the state. We believe that nursing degrees should be considered professional to ensure access to student loans. We support the right of healthcare workers to unionize. 

Care for Our State: We call for a robust public health system that protects our people now and in the future by funding resources designed to reduce morbidity and mortality and enhance the health of Maine residents and visitors. We must address current healthcare challenges, including Maine’s aging population, poor access to birthing services, shortages of healthcare workers, closures of local clinics, and rising costs. Meeting these challenges is essential to building a resilient and just healthcare system.

Federal Policies: We support ongoing investment in medical research to identify emerging public health threats, develop innovative therapies, and foster environmental health. We oppose the recent proposal that would cause Maine to lose 99 Healthcare Shortage Area designations this year. Implementation would likely reduce funding and services in those mostly rural areas.

Let us be clear: No human is illegal. Respect for all people is the foundation from which we approach immigration. We acknowledge that our fellow Mainers who are members of the immigrant community have the right to live and thrive in our state. We will stand up to the cruelty of immigration raids, indiscriminate detentions, and mass deportations, especially when committed by unidentified agents. We support policies and legislation that will strengthen due process, uphold the rule of law, create pathways to citizenship, and implement other systemic reforms. According to the U.S. Constitution, all humans have equal protection under the law. We demand transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement activities.

The Wabanaki Nations are the Original Inhabitants of This Land: We recognize and honor the Passamaquody Tribes at Sipayik and Motahkomikuk, the Penobscot Nation, Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians who were the first to reside on, cherish, and nurture the land now known as Maine. All others arrived here as immigrants by choice or forced through slavery.

The Immigrant Community is Not a Monolith: It’s important we understand the true diversity of the community and the many reasons people come to Maine, including those who have escaped violence and persecution, those who come for work or education, and those who want to build a life here. By recognizing these distinctions, we honor the diversity of immigrant journeys and commit to policies that treat everyone with dignity, fairness, and compassion.

Immigrants Enrich Society: We recognize the beneficial role that immigrants play in the sustainability and success of our infrastructure, agriculture, economy, and culture. We support the inherent dignity of all members of our community, which include immigrants and refugees. They must be treated equally, with respect and dignity by all societal institutions within our state. We strive to strengthen Maine laws to protect our immigrant neighbors from any attack on their rights.

We Believe in Due Process & Humane Treatment for All: We reject inhumane and unlawful arrests, detentions, concentration camps, and mass deportation. Broad, indiscriminate removal of people regardless of their immigration status harms communities. Instead of fear-based policies, we support practical, humane immigration measures that ensure due process, keep families together, protect workers, and strengthen our state’s social and economic fabric. Our commitment is clear: Compassion, fairness, and constitutional principles must guide how we treat people and implement immigration policies.

Holding Law Enforcement Accountable: We demand transparency, accountability, and due process. We oppose unidentified law enforcement conducting raids and detaining Mainers without probable cause and due process, which only perpetuates racial profiling. We will not stand for this injustice. Maine must independently investigate misconduct or crimes committed by law enforcement, including by federal agents, and prosecute to the fullest extent.

No Local Cooperation with Immigration Enforcement: It is critical to ensure that our taxpayer dollars are not being spent to change our local and state law enforcement into immigration enforcement officers. We oppose cooperation from our municipal, county, and state law enforcement in any mass deportation operation. We must ensure that our police forces are not aiding or committing flagrant constitutional violations, but instead are prioritizing uplifting public safety in our communities.

Standing up for our immigrant neighbors is how we stave off authoritarianism.

Our mission is clear: to confront inequality wherever it appears, dismantle the systems and structures that sustain it, and build a state where equality is a reality not an aspiration.

We stand with unwavering resolve to defend the civil rights, dignity, and inherent worth of every person. We reject all forms of discrimination and oppression, whether explicit or disguised, historic or emerging. We refuse to tolerate systems that deny people their rights, silence their voices, or diminish their humanity.

We affirm our commitment to creating a society grounded in equality, compassion, and inclusion. Through our policies, partnerships, and everyday practices, we work to broaden opportunity, elevate representation, and ensure that every person feels a genuine sense of belonging. Our work is driven by a steadfast belief in justice and the inherent dignity of all.

Life, Liberty, and Equality: We unequivocally defend the right of every Mainer to live with dignity, freedom, and full equality under the law. We reject efforts to weaken civil rights protections and reaffirm that liberty is meaningless without justice, safety, and opportunity for all. Equity, too, is not optional, but essential, and must be present in our minds and policies, to have a truly fair democracy and a thriving Maine. 

Racial Justice: We commit to advancing racial justice and dismantling systemic racism in our institutions, laws, and policies. We recognize that racial injustice has created lasting economic and social harm, and we support reparative policies that acknowledge this history and invest in communities disproportionately impacted by systemic racism.

Tribal Sovereignty: We recognize and affirm the inherent sovereignty of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Mi’kmaq Nation, the Penobscot Nation, and the Passamaquoddy Tribes at Sipayik and Motahkomikuk, and support full implementation of tribal self-governance. We commit to repairing historic harms and advancing nation-to-nation relationships grounded in respect, equity, and justice.

Immigration: We believe that no human being is illegal, and proudly welcome new Mainers into our communities. We understand how important immigration is to uplifting our nation, our communities, and our economy. We oppose mass deportation and fear-based policies, and support policies that uphold the rule of law, strengthen due process, and create pathways to citizenship. (See our full Immigration plank.)

LGBTQIA+ Inclusion and Equality: We affirm the right of LGBTQIA+ people to live openly, safely, and authentically, free from discrimination and political attacks. We defend marriage equality, protect gender-affirming care and our diverse youths in all aspects of their lives. We support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts in education, workplaces, and public life. We stand with the trans community, including their ability to participate in sports.

Empowering All Abilities: We uphold and will work to strengthen the Americans with Disabilities Act and we commit to removing barriers that limit independence, access, and opportunity. We explicitly reject ableism in all its forms—policies, practices, and attitudes that devalue disabled people or treat disability as a deficit rather than a dimension of human diversity. Disability justice means full inclusion in all aspects of life.

Women’s Rights: We stand with all women, with their vast intersectional experiences, including those who are trans and/or gender non-conforming. We demand equity and justice for women in all aspects of our society. We believe the survivors of violence, and defend bodily autonomy. These statements must not be construed to oppose trans rights. 

Aging: We affirm the dignity, rights, and contributions of people at every stage of life. Discrimination based on age, whether directed at young people or older adults, undermines opportunity, silences voices, and weakens our democracy. We commit to policies that protect against age-based discrimination. We believe people of all ages deserve security, autonomy, respect, and meaningful inclusion in decisions that shape their lives. Older Mainers must have access to the care and supports they need to age with dignity. A just society values lived experience, intergenerational solidarity, and the full participation of people of all ages.

Freedom of Religion and Belief: We defend both freedom of worship and freedom from imposed religion. The government must neither favor nor discriminate against any belief system, ensuring that personal faith remains a personal choice.

Criminal Justice Reform: We believe in restorative justice, fair sentencing that rehabilitates rather than punishes, and evidence-based alternatives to incarceration for adults and youth. We support education, treatment, workforce pathways, and reentry supports that reduce recidivism and promote community safety. Additionally, cash bail and pre-trial detention must be reined in, and we oppose for-profit prisons.

Expanded Access to Legal Representation: Access to justice is a fundamental constitutional right. Justice shouldn’t depend on income. We support expanding affordable and accessible legal representation for vulnerable Mainers to ensure meaningful access to the courts and equal protection under the law. We affirm that every person is innocent until proven guilty. We must equally fund the systems of criminal defense and of prosecution. (See our full Safe Communities plank.)

Privacy, Public Safety and Civil Liberties: We must protect personal privacy by supporting strong data-minimization and data-privacy laws. We support civil liberties protections that ensure surveillance and enforcement practices are transparent, accountable and narrowly tailored to legitimate public purposes. We reject unconstitutional invasions of privacy, businesses, and homes. We support laws that safeguard bodily autonomy and public safety, and we reject the misuse of enforcement authority as a pretext to violate civil liberties. Personal information belongs to the individual to whom it pertains and may be accessed by government only when necessary to serve a clearly defined public interest, and by private entities only with the informed and explicit consent of the individual. Artificial intelligence use must be regulated to prevent using it as a tool to violate privacy, public safety, and civil liberties, to minimize its risks and biases, and to ensure it remains subject to meaningful human oversight.

A strong, equitable, well-resourced system of public and lifelong education that prioritizes a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment, and promotes civics education is essential for our democracy. An informed, engaged citizenry is of vital importance to our democracy. We must provide a well-rounded, quality public education to all, from the earliest years through post-secondary, as well as accessible opportunities for lifelong learning throughout adulthood. Our system of education must support the mental, emotional, physical and social well-being of all learners. Education in civics and how to engage in our democracy is critical. Funding must be equitable and sustainable so that all in our state can thrive and lead productive lives that contribute to a better world for us all.

Welcoming Learning Environments: Students of all ages, their educators, and their communities must have safe, inclusive, accessible, public schools and learning environments, free from violence, discrimination, harassment, and public health risks. We demand improved and creative funding for well-maintained, new or renewed facilities to ensure quality education in Maine for all students.    

Comprehensive and Effective Curriculum: We must develop informed citizens who are capable of making good decisions for their own well-being as well as for the common good. We demand a well-rounded, comprehensive, and complete course of study guided by informed educators and uncorrupted by regressive agendas. Civics education is essential for citizens to engage in maintaining our democracy and in promoting and supporting an effective government that ensures a free society.

Integrated Mental Health Education: We must normalize mental health conversations and reduce stigma. Students must feel more comfortable seeking help and identifying issues of concern for themselves and peers, including anxiety and social isolation. We must work to eliminate bullying and harassment in our learning environments. We all benefit from stress management, problem-solving, and self-regulation. We must all be trained in recognition of early warning signs of mental health issues. 

Dynamic, Dedicated, and Diverse Educators:  A compassionate and competent educator workforce is essential at all levels in all roles, from early childhood education through adult education. Educators should be trained in best practices, supported with ongoing quality professional development, respected as experts in their field, and deserve professional salaries and benefits commensurate with the importance of the work they do.

Equitable, Sustainable Financial Support for Schools and Educators: All students across Maine deserve a quality, well-rounded public education in up-to-date facilities with reduced reliance on property taxes. The state of Maine must continue to fund at least 55% of the cost of public education and the federal government must fulfill its obligation regarding funding of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). All educators—from childcare providers through adult education—deserve supportive and safe working conditions, as well as fair contracts that include competitive hourly wages and salaries, robust benefits, professional development, retirement provisions, and health insurance.

Quality Nutrition: We demand that there continue to be universal free healthy meals for students from pre-K through secondary education, that information about nutrition is included in the curriculum, and that programs such as local public/private partnerships are encouraged and supported to eliminate food insecurity. 

Natural Environment: Maine’s natural heritage and our environment provide a vital and diverse set of resources for outdoor, academic, and vocational teaching and learning throughout the education system.

Technological Literacy and Integration: Broadband that is readily accessible to all students and Mainers is essential to develop information literacy and to increase proficiency in using advanced technology safely. We encourage providing information about careers in technological fields, and we demand instruction on the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence and on the potential negative impacts of technology.

School Vouchers: We oppose school vouchers in any form or by any name that divert public tax dollars from public schools or seek to privatize and profit from education.

We commit to support, protect, and empower veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. We will work tirelessly to ensure that any person who serves our country receives quality medical care, housing, and economic opportunities. We require that our military only be used to defend our nation and constitution, never to be the aggressor, and never to be used as an adversarial force against our own people.

Maine has the fourth highest number of veterans per capita in the United States. 

Veterans represent approximately 9% of the state’s population. Maine has a significant population of unhoused veterans. There is an epidemic of suicide among veterans. Maine’s veterans are teachers, business owners, police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, postal workers, farmers, our siblings, our parents, and our children. Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families play a vital role in shaping and protecting our state and nation.

Quality Employment: It is our promise to assist veterans with the often-challenging transition into civilian careers. Veterans must have access to the best employment opportunities in Maine. We support accommodations for veterans in hiring and the workplace, as well as initiatives that connect veterans and their unique skills and characteristics to both private and public sector jobs.

Housing: We are dedicated to eradicating veteran homelessness by implementing targeted programs that provide veterans and their families with a secure, safe, and stable place to call home. Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families also need to have more opportunities to own a home in Maine. We strongly advocate for more programs that provide affordable housing options and financial assistance for those who served and have transitioned to civilian life in our communities. (See our full Affordability plank.)

Family Support: Family members of veterans and active-duty service members are unsung heroes in our communities. For all that they sacrifice we must commit to active outreach, better understanding, and pro-active assistance which delivers solutions to their housing, healthcare, childcare, employment, and community socialization challenges.

Education Benefits: Every veteran and active-duty service member must receive the educational benefits that they are owed. We pledge to do all that we can to fulfill the commitment our nation makes to expand their educational opportunities, helping to facilitate a path to productive and fulfilling careers beyond the military. (See our full Workforce plank.)

Accessible Healthcare: Veterans and active-duty service members have a multitude of unique health needs. Timely, comprehensive and accessible physical and mental healthcare and substance use treatment services must be provided to ensure they receive the best medical care available while we work to advance Universal Healthcare. We strongly advocate for mental health services to address the epidemic of suicide among active-duty members and veterans. (See our full Healthcare plank.)

Gender-Specific Care: Women, transgender, and nonbinary veterans and active duty service members have gender-specific requirements such as access to specialized healthcare for reproductive health, military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress, readjustment, and substance use. We strongly advocate for proper accommodations, protection from discrimination, harassment, and sexual assault, and safeguards to access this and other care.

Fair Treatment: We stand with those service members who have been unjustly treated—even dishonorably discharged—based on their gender, race, or ethnicity. We will do all that we can to redress this injustice.

Community Integration: Social isolation is the number one predictor of a mental health crisis, a problem which is particularly acute among our veterans. We are committed to building inclusive, welcoming communities to combat this epidemic of loneliness. Consequently, seamless integration of active-duty service members into civilian life is a priority. We commit to supporting community integration by connecting veterans with community-based, local, social, and grassroots organizations outside the military, which can facilitate their integration process.

Climate change is an existential threat to Mainers. Maine faces the critical challenge of being resilient to ongoing climate change, which threatens our natural environment, infrastructure, economy, workforce, and lifestyles. As stewards of this beautiful state, we are committed to acting to address climate change. Our quality of life depends on our abundant resources and critical infrastructure. Changing weather patterns are leading to increased storm damage from flooding and wind, longer droughts, and hazards such as fire and invasive species. These changes threaten and impact infrastructure, agriculture, and terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The Gulf of Maine is warming rapidly. Climate change is already affecting many aspects of our lives: jobs, food supply, transportation, and resource-based industries. 

Maine Won't Wait: We support the implementation, regular review, and continuous improvement of Maine’s Climate Action Plan, “Maine Won’t Wait” to prevent the harms of climate change, make our communities and ecosystems resilient to its effects, and accelerate our transition to a green economy and infrastructure.

Protection from Storm Damage: As we endure repeated 100-year storms, we must urgently develop and implement plans and actions to shield coastal and inland communities from rising seas, storm surge, high winds, extreme flooding, and erosion. We support increased funding through programs such as Maine Community Resilience Partnerships and FEMA for planning and implementation, including for private property owners. 

Renewable Energy Expansion: We must facilitate the transition to green energy and enhanced energy efficiency. We must ensure equitable policies so all Mainers have access to affordable green energy and all its benefits as we make the changes needed to meet Maine’s climate action goals. (See our full Energy plank.)

Jobs for the Future: As we address climate change, we must ensure a just transition for our current workforce. We must provide targeted training for new jobs and for skills in high demand (e.g. electricians) as a result of transitions to green energy and higher energy efficiency. (See our full Workforce plank.)

Sustainable Resource Management: Managing Maine’s natural and agriculture ecosystems to enhance carbon uptake and storage is critical for achieving carbon neutrality. Forest products, such as wood used in construction, can also store carbon for decades. (See our full Natural Resources plank.)

Marine Resources: To ensure resilience as Maine’s ocean warms, we must collaborate with the fishing industry as fishing grounds shift and new marine sector opportunities such as aquaculture expand, including seaweed and shellfish farming (see our full Natural Resources plank).

Emissions from Transportation: Transportation contributes about half of Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions, a rate almost double that of most states. We advocate for widespread electrification and diversification of transportation options to greatly decrease fossil fuel emissions.

Education for Transition: We believe education and training are essential to a successful and just transition. We must integrate understanding of climate change impacts and solutions into school curricula and technical programs at all levels. (See our full Education plank.)

Federal Policy: The U.S. is the second largest greenhouse-gas emitter in the world, and produces per capita emissions three times the global average. We have a unique responsibility to make serious efforts to address climate change. We oppose the new Federal policies to withdraw the U.S. from international climate agreements and organizations.The current administration’s efforts to withdraw support for green energy projects, dismantle important environmental regulations, and support the fossil fuel industry are immoral and unscientific and must be reversed. These changes will adversely affect human health and negatively impact ongoing efforts to slow climate change.

A clean energy transition as profound as the Industrial Revolution is already underway. The high cost and price volatility of fossil fuels are a tremendous burden on Maine households and businesses. We must enhance Maine’s electrical grid while greatly reducing fossil fuel use. Maine has substantial potential for diverse green energy production. We envision a future where our state becomes a beacon of energy independence through improvements in efficiency and a just transition to locally-built green electricity infrastructure. These changes will help the environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, and provide good, well-paying jobs.

Diverse Green Energy Sources: We support diversification of green energy production from solar, wind, and water. Diversification will minimize the impact of fluctuating grid demands and reduce the need for battery storage.

Energy Independence: We will develop a resilient, just, and cost-effective transition to green energy that ensures Maine’s energy independence. To accomplish this we need an upgraded grid that is designed for dispersed clean energy generation and increased electricity demand.

Opportunities in Green Energy: We are committed to managing the shift to green energy collaboratively and equitably, so it will ensure well-paying jobs and lower energy costs for consumers.This transition will benefit our environment, businesses, workers, and economy. Supplying excess energy to neighboring regions can strengthen our economy without compromising our environment and values.

Energy Efficiency: We support programs to increase energy efficiency in housing, other infrastructure, and transportation in order to decrease costs and energy use. Insulation and weatherization of existing structures can greatly lower energy needs for heating and cooling, resulting in substantial cost savings.

Incentives for Transition: We support expansion of financial incentives from the state of Maine and the federal government to offset costs for green appliances, energy generation, and efficiency improvements, making these changes accessible to communities—especially for vulnerable Mainers.

Responsible Siting for Sustainability: We support siting of green energy infrastructure to minimize negative impacts on marine ecosystems, agricultural lands, forests, and other natural resources, while benefiting communities.

Maintaining the health of Maine’s treasured natural and agricultural resources is vital to our economic sustainability, quality of life, and the well-being of future generations. We must enhance carbon sequestration in our forests, farmlands, and marine environments. We must protect our lands and water supplies from pollution to ensure clean soil and water.

As the climate warms, it alters weather patterns. This causes migration of plant and animal species and diseases that disrupt and threaten ecosystems, as well as increasing drought and the threat of wildfire. These changes affect our farms, forests, and freshwater and marine ecosystems in various ways. Warming in the Gulf of Maine threatens our fisheries. Extreme storms threaten infrastructure and ecosystems  in coastal and inland areas. We must manage Maine’s resources to increase resilience to changing weather patterns. This will further contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation. (See our full Climate plank.)

Economic Health: Our vital industries—forestry, fisheries, food, tourism, and outdoor recreation—depend on a healthy environment. Mainers deserve to thrive in environments that sustain us.

Resource Conservation: We must conserve and protect our air, water, and land while maintaining biodiversity and the healthy ecosystems that currently absorb about 75 percent of Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Emerging Hazards: As climate changes, wildfire and drought are expected to increase well above historical levels. High winds and drought combined would greatly increase fire hazard. Prolonged drought can affect domestic and agricultural water supplies, as well as stream and wetland ecosystems. We must prepare for these changes.

Environmental Protection: We must continue to protect and restore our air, water, and land from pollution by dangerous chemicals from industrial processes and waste disposal operations to support human and ecosystem health.  

Forest Management: The forest products industry is a mainstay of our economy. We support ongoing improvements in sustainable forest management and in the forest products industry to maintain healthy, resilient forests. We also encourage use of wood-based products such as in structures and insulation, rather than less environmentally-friendly materials such as steel, concrete, and plastics.

Supporting Fisheries: We must maintain the vitality of Maine’s iconic fishing industry as it navigates changes in fish, lobster, and shellfish populations wrought by changing climate.

Environmentally-Friendly Aquaculture: We must encourage the growth of aquaculture businesses such as seaweed cultivation and shellfish farming that can improve water quality, help sequester carbon and improve marine habitat, and provide high-value food and fertilizer.

Sustainable Agriculture: We embrace local, small-scale farming that is managed to enhance soil health, productivity, and carbon storage while supporting habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

Adapting to Change: We support the monitoring and adaptive management of agriculture, forestry, wetland, and aquatic resources. This is required to address the changing impacts of insects, diseases, and invasive species on native wildlife, vegetation, and fisheries.