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The Sanders political revolution continues to spread throughout the Democratic Party, as 29 “Sanders Democrats” won their respective primaries for state government positions in Maine on Tuesday. Four first-time primary winners will be joining a field of 25 other candidates who either already hold state office or ran unopposed in their respective primaries, all of whom have previously endorsed Bernie Sanders.
Ben Chipman, who is currently a member of the Maine State House of Representatives, defeated two challengers, Charles Radis and Diane Russell, taking 53% of the vote. Chipman will not run for re-election, choosing to face off against Republican Mark Lockman and Green Party candidate, Seth Baker, for the Maine State Senate 27th District seat.
Justin Chenette, also currently serving in the Maine State House of Representatives, will forego reelection to the House and try and win the 31st State Senate District seat after defeating Barry Hobbins with 56% of the vote. Chenette will run against Republican William Gombar in the general election to decide who will win the seat.
Mark Dion will be looking to win a seat in the Maine State Senate, representing the 28th senate district. He also defeated two opponents, Jill Duson and Ann Peoples, with 44% of the vote. Dion will face Republican Karen Usher for the senate seat.
Gina Melaragno will try to retain her seat in State House District 62 after defeating her primary challenger, Brian Bolduc, by 70 points. Melaragno will be challenged by Republican Brandon Dickey in the general election on November 8th.
While Bernie Sander’s chances of securing the Democratic Party’s nomination as their presidential candidate seem to be waning day by day, the movement that he started has not shown the same signs of slowing. These four primary winners and the 25 other candidates who won in Maine state primaries yesterday that have endorsed Sanders are indicative of the reach the progressive movement. As more primaries take place, we will only see the number of ‘Sanders Democrats’ running in the general election rise even more.