This post will be frequently updated
A great number of Democrats in Androscoggin County have reached out to learn what process we will use to select a candidate to run against Susan Collins this fall. Leadership in the Maine Democratic Party has been working closely with multiple people including County chairs to develop a process that is fair, expedient, and inclusive. Many details of how we move forward are still being worked out, but following is information we know is accurate. As we learn more, we commit to updating this page with new information.
- Each of the 16 counties in Maine will hold an in-person meeting akin to a caucus to choose delegates to attend a state-wide meeting to select our candidate.
- The Maine Democratic Party (MDP) has agreed to organize, host, and fund this event for the Androscoggin County Democratic Committee (ACDC).
- Each county will have a proportional number of delegates, e.g., the number will be proportional to the number of Democrats who voted in the 2024 November Presidential Election compared to the entire State.
- For the May 2026 convention, Androscoggin County was allocated 94 delegates. Androscoggin County filled 71 of the 94 seats. A Statewide total of 1,500 delegate seats were allocated for the May 2026 convention.
- To manage this quick turnaround State Convention, the Maine Democratic Party has decided to reduce the number of convention delegates from 1,500 to 500.
- Thus, by rounding to the nearest whole number, it is anticipated that Androscoggin County will be allocated 31 seats (94/3) to this upcoming convention.
- In addition to the 500 delegates, it is my understanding that Democratic State Committee members (approximately 113) and Democratic Party Executive Committee members will be delegates.
- Any resident of Androscoggin County who has registered as a Democrat in this county on or before June 9, 2026 will be eligible to be a delegate for Androscoggin County.
- We do not yet have a date for this event, but once we do we will update this blog post, update our website calendar, and send email to all subscribers to the ACDC email list. If you are not on our list, you may sign up here.
- We do not yet know the process by which each county will select delegates. Delegates should be prepared to speak at the meeting and/or submit a written statement expressing their interest, availability, and motivation.
- Once selected, delegates from each county will attend a state-wide convention to select our nominee to run against Susan Collins.
- We do not yet know the process by which delegates will select a candidate.
- We do not yet have a date for this convention but the entire process must be complete on or before July 27, 2026.
- Delegates are expected to vote for a candidate that represents the population they serve. In other words, delegates are not simply to vote for their personal choice for a candidate but for the majority choice of their city or town. Ideally delegates will speak with residents as well as provide an email address and/or phone number for community member feedback.
As challenging as this process is, we choose to see the bright side: many new people have become engaged in this campaign. We welcome your ideas, inspiration, and involvement. Many lifelong Democratic party members have remained focused and determined. We are grateful for your dedication and commitment. We choose to be the party that is inclusive and transparent, and we urge all Democrats to participate to the best of their ability in this process and in the election this fall.
Our main focus is to elect a Democrat from Maine to serve in the US Senate starting in 2027. Now is the time to work together for the benefit of our county, our state, and our country.
Thank you –
Carl Wilcox, Chair
Androscoggin County Democrats