About Maine Senate

The **Maine Senate** is the upper chamber of the Maine Legislature, responsible for reviewing, amending, and confirming legislation before it reaches the Governor’s desk. It plays a key role in Maine’s legislative process, including originating non-revenue bills, confirming gubernatorial appointments, and trying impeachments[7]. Comprising **35 members**, each senator represents about 32,100 constituents and serves a two-year term with a limit of four consecutive terms[2][3][6]. Established when Maine became the 23rd state in 1820, the Senate has a rich history with notable figures like Margaret Chase Smith, the first woman to serve in both houses of Congress and to hold a Senate leadership position[4]. The Senate elects its own leadership, including a President who presides over proceedings, as well as a Secretary and Assistant Secretary, and works closely with the House of Representatives in joint legislative functions such as electing constitutional officers[2][3]. The Senate’s legislative work is organized through committees that blend House and Senate members to deliberate bills by subject matter. These committees hold public hearings, incorporate expert and constituent testimony, and make recommendations to the full Senate[6]. Bills that pass the Senate and House become law after gubernatorial approval or override of a veto, with emergency laws taking effect immediately[6]. Currently, the Senate includes a politically diverse membership, predominantly Democrats with Republicans and an Independent, reflecting Maine’s balanced political landscape[2]. It maintains robust administrative autonomy, including judging member qualifications, setting procedural rules, and maintaining official records[7]. The Senate’s evolving structure and historical legacy underpin its ongoing role in shaping Maine’s public policy, governance, and civic engagement. This blend of legislative authority, historical significance, and procedural rigor makes the Maine Senate a pivotal institution for understanding the state’s governance and political dynamics, especially relevant to stakeholders in business and technology sectors monitoring regulatory and policy developments.

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Controversy Over Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner’s Violent Posts

18 Oct 2025 19 views

#maine #politics #controversy #election #violence

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner faces scrutiny over past online posts urging armed resistance and anti-police rhetoric.