Shutdown defeat could deepen Democratic divides in bitter Maine Senate primary

Published November 13, 2025 7:30am ET



The senators who bucked their fellow Democrats to help reopen the government are largely immune from progressive fury due to retirements and the absence of 2026 reelections, but the plotline could thicken for some midterm Senate candidates.

In particular, the contentious battleground primary already in full swing in Maine may be supercharged by the shutdown-ending deal that cleared Congress Wednesday evening and was swiftly signed into law by President Donald Trump.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.