Contact Your Reps: Federal Level
“The power of the people is greater than the people in power.”
Before we dive in to everyone’s absolute least favorite topic, let me break the ice by sharing a few things I’ve said to congressional staffers or left in voicemails for my representatives since January 20, 2025:
I am a constituent from Bethel and am calling to ask Senator Collins to deny the confirmation of RFK Jr. because his stated policy goals will directly harm Maine children who rely on free lunches and vaccines to stay safe and healthy.
I’m urging Congressman Golden to vote “no” on the SAVE Act because it would create a significant barrier for folks in Western Maine to participate in elections, many of whom do not have documentary proof of citizenship readily available.
I’m just calling to thank Senator King for his continued vocal support for lower case “d” democracy.
How does Senator Collins plan to protect Mainers from the complete and total violation of HIPAA that RFK Jr. is planning with a registry for people with autism?
Hi! My name is Michelle and I’m a school social worker in Bethel. I’m calling to express my deep concern about…everything.
In years past, calling my reps felt like a scary process that required significant prep and fueled my anxiety. The vibe has shifted significantly since January and congressional staffers know it. With the urgency of a constitutional crisis upon us, I’ve gotten comfortable reaching out to my representatives with an informality I never imagined possible.
This reel on Instagram perfectly and hilariously captures the arc of my experience from my first call In January to my most recent call today.
Why should you contact your reps in the first place?
Your Voice Matters: Elected officials need to hear from their constituents to understand their needs and priorities.
Influence Policy: Your consistent communication can influence how they vote on legislation and the issues they prioritize.
Hold Them Accountable: Contacting them lets them know you're paying attention to their actions which matters if they choose to run for reelection.
Quick anecdote: In a call to Senator King’s office a month or so ago, a staffer told me that the only reason they were not continuing with business as usual under the current administration was because they were fielding 3,000+ weekly communications from concerned constituents. She told me that the calls matter because staffers tally the number of contacts that they are getting about certain issues which ultimately guide Senator King’s actions.
Who Represents Maine in the U.S. Congress?
Maine has two U.S. Senators and two U.S. Representatives:
U.S. Senators (Represent the entire state):
Senator Susan Collins (Republican)
Senator Angus King (Independent)
U.S. Representatives (Represent specific districts):
Maine's 1st Congressional District: Currently represented by Representative Chellie Pingree (Democrat) - Generally covers the southern coastal region, including Portland, Brunswick, and Augusta.
Maine's 2nd Congressional District: Currently represented by Representative Jared Golden (Democrat) - Covers the vast northern and eastern parts of the state, including Western Maine, Bangor, Lewiston, and Presque Isle.
Find your U.S. Representative here.
Things to know:
Term Limits:
U.S. Representatives: Serve two-year terms, and there are no constitutional term limits on how many times they can be re-elected. This means a Representative can serve for many consecutive terms if the voters continue to elect them.
U.S. Senators: Serve six-year terms, and like Representatives, there are no constitutional term limits on how many times they can be re-elected. Their longer terms theoretically provide more stability and allow them to delve deeper into complex issues.
What Issues Can They Help With? Your federal representatives work on a wide range of issues that affect Maine and the nation, including:
Healthcare
Veterans' affairs
Agriculture
Education
Environmental protection
Social Security and Medicare
Economic development
National security
And much more!
How to Contact Your Representatives
I know this is the worst part please don’t check out yet!
There are a few ways to reach out
1.Phone Calls: Calling their Washington D.C. or Maine office is a direct way to voice your opinion. You'll likely speak to a staff member who will note your concerns. Be clear, concise, and polite.
The 5Calls app makes this process super duper easy by letting you set your location, saving your reps, and providing scripts that you can use for specific issues.
If choosing to make contact outside of an app, you can find your reps contact information below.
I used the 5Calls app when I was first getting used to reaching out to my reps because it provided a structure that made me feel comfortable. Now I have my reps numbers saved in my phone and call whenever, wherever, no script needed.
2. Emails: Sending an email is convenient and allows you to articulate your thoughts in detail. This is a fantastic way to share your thoughts if speaking on the phone isn’t for you. Be sure to include your full name and address so they know you're a constituent.
Each of our representatives in Maine has a contact form or email address listed on their official website. You can find these linked below.
3. Letters: A written letter can have a significant impact. It shows you've taken the time and effort to communicate your views. Again, include your full name and address.
You can find their mailing addresses linked below.
Finding Their Contact Information
The easiest way to find the contact information for your specific representatives is through their official websites linked below:
U.S. Senate:
U.S. House of Representatives:
Tips for Reaching Out
Breathe: Your representatives work for you and your tax dollars pay their salaries.
Be human: You’re allowed to make mistakes, you’re allowed to stumble over your words, you’re even allowed to freak out, hang up, and call back in two days.
Be real: Share from the heart.
Be Specific: Refer to specific bills or issues if possible.
Personalize Your Message: Share your own experiences or how the issue affects you or your community in Maine.
Follow Up (If Necessary): For important matters, consider a follow-up if you don't receive a response.
Now it’s Your Turn
Okay here’s the part that everyone hates: actually reaching out. And I get it, it’s scary the first time. My recommendation? Plan for a solid 30 minutes the first two times you do it.
After that, it can quickly become a habit and you’ll be able to complete your calls in under 5 minutes.
Your voice as a Mainer is absolutely critical! Both Representative Golden and Senator Collins are relatively unpredictable in their stance on the issues that face our state. Your feedback absolutely matters.