National vs. Local Political Perspectives
While national observers have strong opinions on Maine politics, many residents feel these external views are often incorrect.
12The Bulwark Podcast
The Maine Thing: Local Journalism and the 2026 Senate Race
Former NBC reporter Alex Seitz-Wald joins Sarah Longwell to discuss the unique culture of Maine politics, Graham Platner's exit, and Susan Collins' staying power.
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Sarah Longwell and Alex Seitz-Wald: The Maine Thing
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Turn this episode into your next question.
Ask naturally. GenPod can find a related episode—or make a focused explainer when the right one does not exist.Key takeaways
What to know before you press play.
Transition to Local Journalism
Alex Seitz-Wald, a former NBC News reporter, moved his family to Maine to help establish the Midcoast Villager, highlighting a shift from national to local media coverage.
34Graham Platner's Exit
The discussion covers how the exit of Graham Platner from the U.S. Senate race was received by Maine voters.
45Susan Collins' Political Longevity
The episode analyzes why Senator Susan Collins has maintained such staying power and whether her political luck might run out in the 2026 election.
6New Democratic Candidate
The hosts evaluate the new Democratic candidate, Troy Jackson, as part of the 2026 Senate race dynamics.
6Ask GenPod next
Keep the question moving.
“What are the key issues facing Maine voters in the 2026 Senate race?”
“How does the Midcoast Villager cover local politics differently than national outlets?”
“What factors contribute to Susan Collins' enduring popularity in Maine?”
Background reading
The context behind the episode.
Questions
Questions to carry into the episode.
How do local Maine residents view national political opinions about their state?
Many people in Maine think that the opinions held by national political followers are wrong.
2What is Alex Seitz-Wald's background in journalism?
He is a former NBC News reporter who moved to Maine to help establish the Midcoast Villager.
34How did Maine voters react to Graham Platner's exit from the Senate race?
The episode discusses how his exit landed with Maine voters, though specific voter reactions are detailed in the full conversation.
5Why has Susan Collins had such staying power in Maine politics?
The episode discusses the reasons behind her longevity and whether her luck might run out in 2026.
6Who is the new Democratic candidate for the Senate race?
The new Democratic candidate is Troy Jackson.
6Experts
Voices named in the source.
Alex Seitz-Wald
Deputy Editor of the Midcoast Villager; Former NBC News Reporter
4Sources and disclosure
Where this guide comes from.
This guide is based on the episode 'Sarah Longwell and Alex Seitz-Wald: The Maine Thing' from The Bulwark Podcast, published on July 23, 2026.
- Publisher show notes
In 2026, everyone who follows politics has an opinion about Maine politics.
- Publisher show notes
Here’s the thing: a lot of people in Maine think they’re wrong.
- Publisher show notes
So, Sarah talked to a former national political reporter who moved his family to Maine to help stand up a local paper.
- Publisher show notes
Former NBC News reporter Alex Seitz-Wald, now deputy editor of the Midcoast Villager, joins to discuss his transition to local journalism, the unique culture of Maine politics, and how Graham Platner’s exit from the U.S.
- Publisher show notes
Senate race landed with Maine voters.
- Publisher show notes
They also size up the new Democratic candidate, Troy Jackson, and discuss why Susan Collins has had such staying power, and how–or whether–her luck might finally run out in 2026.
- Publisher show notes
• The front page on the most recent issue of the Midcoast Villager • Sarah’s ‘Focus Group’ pod • NYT profile of the Midcoast Villager • Tim’s playlist
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