Matt Junker

16 posts

Matt Junker is an elections and government reporter for The Maine Monitor, focusing on the state's electoral process and decision-making in Augusta. He previously spent more than seven years at the Bangor Daily News, most recently as sports editor after several years working as the paper's deputy opinion editor.

He grew up in Kennebunkport and now lives in Brewer. Earlier in his career, he was a weekly and daily reporter at several publications in southern and central Maine. Prior to becoming a journalist, he spent four years in Washington, D.C. working in the office of U.S. Senator Angus King.

Contact Matt with questions, concerns or story ideas: maMEMONtt themainemonitor org

composite image of Troy Jackson and Susan Collins.

Susan Collins and Troy Jackson have both navigated family lobbying ties, under different rules

It’s been nearly 20 years since the federal government put some restrictions on lobbying by family members. Maine and other states haven’t followed suit.

ByMatt Junker

September 8, 2026

image of the US Capitol with portions of finance documents layered on top

Voters know less about Troy Jackson’s finances than any other major U.S. Senate nominee

The Democrats’ replacement nominee hasn’t yet had to file information that’s typically available already for most Senate candidates.

ByMatt Junker

September 8, 2026

Former Maine congressional candidate admits mistake in GoFundMe appeal for donations

This week, after an inquiry from The Maine Monitor, Paige Loud changed the language on a fundraising page to make clear she was trying to cover personal expenses, not pay off campaign debt.

ByMatt Junker

July 30, 2026

Troy Jackson smiles while standing at the podium during the convention.

‘Somewhere between a highwire act and a moonlanding’: Maine Democrats chose Troy Jackson in unprecedented U.S. Senate nomination

Maine Democrats used an unfamiliar process to choose a familiar face as their replacement nominee for one of the most closely watched races in the country.

ByJosh Keefe Matt Junker

July 25, 2026

Shenna Bellows, Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah and Jordan Wood stand at debate podiums.

Maine Democrats were headed toward a crowded Senate convention. Now it’s poised to be a Troy Jackson coronation

Some Democrats have raised questions about whether the party’s approach has been as transparent and inclusive as promised.

ByMatt Junker

July 24, 2026

image of the maine state house with the following text overlayed on the image: filing details, income from self employment, income from employment by another, gifts including travel and accommodation, compensation income of immediate family members, business entities.

Most candidates have to disclose how they make money. Not those running for Maine governor

The Maine Monitor asked the three gubernatorial candidates to provide their personal financial information voluntarily. Here’s what they said.

ByMatt Junker

July 16, 2026

Graham Platner speaks during an election night victory speech.

Graham Platner says he’s out. What comes next?

While Maine law is crystal clear about the timing of replacing a nominee, it leaves the nuts and bolts of the selection process up to political parties.

ByMatt Junker

July 9, 2026