Angus King is an Independent senator from Maine, first elected in 2012. Although he caucuses with the Democrats, he brands himself as pragmatic, policy-focused, and allergic to strict party lines.
Born March 31, 1944, in Alexandria, Virginia, King earned a B.A. from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from the University of Virginia. Before entering federal office, he worked as an attorney, energy consultant, and public affairs host. He went on to serve two terms as governor of Maine from 1995 to 2003 — also as an Independent.
In the Senate, King has concentrated on energy and climate policy, cybersecurity, intelligence oversight, veterans' services, and rural broadband. He pitches himself as a "common-sense problem solver" and is often a visible part of bipartisan working groups on national security and infrastructure.
Independent
Achievements
- Promoted bipartisan energy and climate policy, including clean energy expansion and grid resilience
- Strong voice on cybersecurity and election security, especially around foreign interference and critical infrastructure
- Consistent advocate for veterans' healthcare and mental health support
- Helped drive investment in rural broadband and coastal economies in Maine
Controversies
- Criticized from the left at times for siding with Republicans on certain fiscal and regulatory questions
- Questioned by conservatives for caucusing with Democrats while branding himself Independent
- Sometimes viewed as too cautious on tax policy and large-scale entitlement expansions
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Israel Public Affairs Cmte | $35,950 | $30,950 | $5,000 |
| Triumvirate Environmental | $33,000 | $33,000 | $0 |
| Microsoft Corp | $29,105 | $16,605 | $12,500 |
| General Dynamics | $27,750 | $17,750 | $10,000 |
| Google Inc | $27,500 | $18,000 | $9,500 |
Donor totals reflect organization-linked giving, including tech, defense, and environmental services.
Recent Elections
2012 Margin I +22%
2018 Margin I +20%
2024 Margin I +18%