AUGUSTA -- Starting Jan. 1, Mainers hoping to run for state or county office in 2026 can begin collecting signatures. The candidate forms for the 2026 election are now available online.

It will finish as the most expensive campaign in Maine history, and one of the most hard-fought races ever — in both the primary and the general. The Senate race will sweep up so much oxygen that it will overpower the gubernatorial race, especially in the primary.

BUCKSPORT, Maine (WABI) - A runoff election is taking place Tuesday between two candidates for the RSU 25 School Board in Bucksport. A recount of the November election showed Emily Fitzgerald and Keith Kneeland tied. Earlier this month, Emily Fitzgerald said she would decline the position if elected.