The state of Maine encompasses roughly 31,000 square miles – 320 miles long by 210 miles wide – yet all of the incoming Democratic leaders represent towns within 26 miles of Portland, one of the few progressive strongholds in the state.
None of the six Democratic leaders lives in the sprawling 2nd Congressional District, which contains more than 88% of the state’s land area and is the largest district east of the Mississippi.
It’s the first time Democrats have not had at least one legislative leader from the 2nd District since at least 2009.
Conversely, Republicans have traditionally relied more heavily on lawmakers from the 2nd District to fill leadership positions. In the last nine Legislatures, they have not had a southern Maine lawmaker in a leadership position on two occasions.
Sen. Trey Stewart, who was reelected as the Republican Senate minority leader, said it’s telling that Democratic leaders are …