Four Midcoast organizations are sponsoring two debates among Democratic primary candidates for Governor and U.S. Senate in March and April, both to be held in Topsham. 

The five Democratic candidates for Maine Governor will debate issues important to voters at Orion Performing Arts Center in Topsham on Saturday, March 21. The debate will run from 3 to 5 p.m. and be moderated by Craig Freshley, principal of Brunswick-based Good Group Decisions, Inc. This debate will provide a rare opportunity to see all the Democratic candidates together prior to the primary on June 9. As of March 4, the Democratic candidates for governor are: Secretary of State Shenna Bellows; former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson; businessman Angus King III; former Speaker of the Maine House Hannah Pingree; and former Director of the Maine CDC Dr. Nirav Shah. 

The four Democratic candidates for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat will debate issues at Orion Performing Arts Center in Topsham on Saturday, April 11. The debate will run from 3 to 5 p.m. and be moderated by well-known writer and journalist Colin Woodard. This event will provide a excellent opportunity to hear all the Democratic candidates debate prior to the primary on June 9. As of March 4, the Democratic candidates for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat are: environmental policy consultant David Costello; adjunct professor Andrea Laflamme; Maine Governor Janet Mills; and U.S. Marine veteran and oyster farmer Graham Platner. 

Both debates are hosted by the Sagadahoc Democrats, Brunswick and Freeport Democratic Committees, and Brunswick Area Indivisible. People interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance to ensure a seat. Registration also provides an opportunity to list their top three issues. Questions at the debate will center around top issues identified by registrants. 

People can register for the gubernatorial candidates debate at https://forms.gle/FsVoSQfutE7cd8fR9.   

People can register for the senatorial candidates debate at https://forms.gle/GdnJu8jHgvvwnFdv8.   

Both events are free and open to the public. Doors will open at 2:30. Seats will be held for pre-registrants until 15 minutes prior to the start of the debate.