Welcome to the very first episode of Politics Between Us — and the launch of our limited series, Mud Season.

We’re kicking things off with a conversation that gets right into the heart of Maine’s 2026 U.S. Democratic Senate primary: the race between sitting Governor Janet Mills and political newcomer Graham Platner. To help us make sense of it all, we brought in David Farmer, one of Maine’s most seasoned political strategists, with nearly 25 years of experience in the state.

We get into the complicated gender dynamics at play in this race, why transgender rights have become such a defining issue in Maine politics, and what Democrats nationally keep getting wrong about political messaging. David also makes an unexpected case for Janet Mills — even while admitting he might be protecting the status quo.

Then stick around for the debut of ‘Agebait’ — our segment where Luca pulls something from internet culture and tests how much Alison actually understands about the world people under 35 are living in. This week: AI-generated videos, Erika Kirk, and Alison having a lot of feelings about spectacle.

This Substack is a personal project. We are both employees of Colby College, but the views and opinions expressed here are entirely our own and do not represent those of Colby College or any other institutions with which we are affiliated. This publication is not produced, sponsored, or endorsed by the College.

Keywords: Maine politics, 2026 Senate, Janet Mills, Graham Platner, Democratic primary, political strategy, AI.

Get full access to Politics Between Us at politicsbetweenus.substack.com/subscribe