Matt Junker

14 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

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

journalists gather around for a tabulation update.

Inside the 17-hour final day of Maine’s ranked-choice voting count

Just as secretary of state officials seemed confident that the end was near, a host of unexpected delays kept pushing back the process.

ByMatt Junker

June 25, 2026

election officials looking at pieces of paper.

Maine has never seen a ranked-choice primary like this one

For the first time ever, Maine has seen three statewide or congressional primary races move on to ranked-choice voting tabulation. The previous record was two in 2018.

ByMatt Junker

June 16, 2026