Democrats will gather in Bangor Friday and Saturday for their convention, where they will train volunteers and build enthusiasm ahead of the fall elections.

About 1,100 delegates, sponsors and guests are expected to attend, said Bev Uhlenhake, chairwoman of the Maine Democratic Party.

“When I think about our own state convention, for me it’s a little nostalgia, a bit of a homecoming,” she said. “It’s a chance to motivate folks and inspire us to make the state of Maine better.”

In addition to speeches from elected officials, including Gov. Janet Mills, conventiongoers will hear a keynote address by former U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland of New Mexico.

Haaland, who is currently serving as Interior Secretary in the Biden Administration, is speaking in her personal capacity, according to a Thursday announcement.

Haaland, one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, is expected to address abortion rights, health care and democracy.

“Her leadership, advocacy and dedication to Democratic priorities make her an inspiration to Americans across the country,” Uhlenhake said.

This week, delegates are voting online on the party platform, a 20-page document that outlines the party’s stance on democracy, elections, healthcare, LGBTQIA+ rights, climate change and labor protections.

The platform specifically mentions opposition to the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn the federally protected right to an abortion.

Calling the decision a “fundamental assault on women’s rights and reproductive freedoms,” the platform states support for state and federal constitutional amendments to “prevent governmental interference with any individual’s decision relative to their own reproductive health.”

It calls for sovereignty for Maine tribes and states that Democrats “welcome all new Mainers.”

It expresses support for gender affirming health care and IVF services and includes a call for universal health care.

When it comes to official party business, the delegates will choose their representatives to the national convention in Chicago in August.

They will also hear from House and Senate Democrats hoping to hold on to power in Augusta. All 186 legislative seats are up for grabs in November.

Senate President Troy Jackson (D-Allagash) is prevented from running again by term limits and House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross (D-Portland) is running for a Senate seat. 

Other speakers will include David Costello, who is one of three challengers to U.S. Sen. Angus King, an independent, and U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden.