2026 Maine gubernatorial election
November 3, 2026
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The 2026 Maine gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the 76th governor of Maine. Incumbent Democratic governor Janet Mills is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term. This election will coincide with a U.S. Senate election, U.S. House elections for Maine's two congressional districts, and various other state, county, and local elections. Although Maine has adopted ranked-choice voting, it is only used for primary and federal general elections. Therefore, the primary will be conducted with ranked-choice voting, and the general election will be conducted with the traditional plurality voting system. The primary elections will be held on June 9, 2026.[1]
Background
Incumbent Democratic governor Janet Mills was re-elected with 55.69% of the vote in 2022 over Republican former governor Paul LePage.[2] Maine has not elected consecutive governors from the same party since Republican Burton M. Cross succeeded Republican Frederick G. Payne after 1952.[3] Conversely, Mills's 2022 re-election, held under Democratic president Joe Biden, was the first time Mainers had elected a governor from the same party as the president since Republican John R. McKernan Jr. was re-elected under Republican president George H. W. Bush in 1990.[4]
A sparsely populated state in New England, Maine is one of the most rural states in the nation and is considered to be moderately blue, having voted for every Democratic presidential nominee since 1992.[4] In 2024, the state voted for Kamala Harris by seven points.[5] Both houses of the Maine Legislature are controlled by the Maine Democratic Party, and Maine's two congressional districts are held by Democrats. A Republican has not received a majority of the vote in a gubernatorial election since 1962, when incumbent Republican John H. Reed received 50.08% of the vote.[4] However, the state still maintains a Republican senator, as Susan Collins won the 2020 U.S. senate election.[6]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Shenna Bellows, Maine Secretary of State (2021–present) and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2014[3]
- Troy Jackson, former President of the Maine Senate (2018–2024) and candidate for Maine's 2nd congressional district in 2014[7]
- Angus King III, energy executive and son of U.S. Senator and former governor Angus King[8]
- Hannah Pingree, former director of the Maine Governor's Office of Policy Innovation, former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives (2008–2010), and daughter of U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree[9]
- Nirav Shah, former principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023–2025) and former director of the Maine CDC (2019–2023)[10]
Failed to qualify
Withdrawn
- Jason Cherry, attorney and independent candidate for U.S. Senate in 2024 (running for state representative)[13]
Declined
- Joe Baldacci, state senator (2020–present) and brother of former governor John Baldacci (running for U.S. House, endorsed Jackson)[14]
- Jared Golden, U.S. representative from Maine's 2nd congressional district (2019–present)[15]
- Dan Kleban, brewer[16] (ran for U.S. Senate)[17]
- Adam Lee, car dealer[18]
Endorsements
Shenna Bellows
- Organizations
Troy Jackson
- U.S. senators
- Bernie Sanders, Vermont (2007–present) (Independent)[20]
- State legislators
- Joe Baldacci, state senator from the 9th district (2020–present)[21]
- Andy O'Brien, former state representative from the 44th district (2008–2012)[22]
- Local officials
- Mark Dion, mayor of Portland (2023–present)[23]
- Labor unions
- American Postal Workers Union Local 536[24]
- Professional Firefighters of Maine[25]
- International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Maine State Council[26]
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters New England Joint Council 10 and Local 340[27]
- Maine AFL-CIO[22]
- Maine Building & Construction Trades Council[24]
- Maine State Nurses Association[28]
- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Metal Trades Council[24]
- Organizations
Angus King III
- U.S. senators
- Angus King, Maine (2013–present) and former Governor of Maine (1995–2003) (Independent, candidate's father)[30]
Hannah Pingree
- Executive branch officials
- Jeanne Lambrew, former deputy director of the White House Office of Health Reform (2009–2011) and commissioner of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (2019–2024)[31]
- Governors
- Abigail Spanberger, Virginia (2026–present)[32]
- State legislators
- Lynn Bromley, former state senator from the 7th district (2000–2008)[33]
- Ryan Fecteau, speaker of the Maine House of Representatives (2020–2022, 2024–present) from the 132nd district (2014–2022, 2024–present)[34]
- Drew Gattine, state representative from the 34th district (2012–2020) and 126th district (2022–present)[35]
- Brian Hubbell, former state representative from the 135th district (2012–2020)[36]
- Mark Eves, former speaker of the Maine House of Representatives (2012–2016) from the 6th district (2008–2016)[31]
- Matt Moonen, majority leader of the Maine House of Representatives (2018–2020, 2024–present) from the 17th district (2022–present) and 38th district (2012–2020)[31]
- Eloise Vitelli, former majority leader of the Maine Senate (2021–2024) from the 24th district (2013–2014, 2016–2024)[31]
- Individuals
- Stephen King, author[37]
- Organizations
Nirav Shah
- Organizations
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of January 15, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Shenna Bellows (D) | $1,073,785.64 | $515,196.94 | $558,588.70 |
| Jason Cherry (D) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Troy Jackson (D) | $643,571.79 | $388,441.49 | $255,130.30 |
| Angus King III (D) | $908,308.62 | $569,200.50 | $339,108.12 |
| Kenneth Forrest Pinet (D) | $775.00 | $775.00 | $0.00 |
| Hannah Pingree (D) | $1,389,695.59 | $649,058.73 | $740,636.86 |
| Nirav Shah (D) | $509,767.26 | $170,422.69 | $339,344.57 |
| Source: Maine Ethics Commission[41] | |||
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Shenna Bellows |
Troy Jackson |
Angus King III |
Hannah Pingree |
Nirav Shah |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pan Atlantic Research[42] | February 13 – March 2, 2026 | 367 (LV) | – | 16% | 10% | 24% | 18% | 24% | 10%[b] | – |
| University of New Hampshire[43] | February 12–16, 2026 | 462 (LV) | ± 4.5% | 19% | 16% | 5% | 10% | 25% | 1%[c] | 23% |
| Hart Research[A][44] | January 15–19, 2026 | 502 (LV) | ± 4.5% | 11% | 9% | 13% | 13% | 35% | – | 18% |
| Pan Atlantic Research[45] | November 29–December 7, 2025 | 318 (LV) | ± 6.1% | 16% | 8% | 19% | 18% | 24% | – | 15% |
| Pan Atlantic Research[46] | May 12–26, 2025 | 325 (LV) | ± 6.1% | 24% | 13% | 33% | 20% | – | – | 10% |
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Jonathan Bush, healthcare executive and nephew of former president George H.W. Bush[47]
- Robert Charles, lawyer and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State[48]
- David Jones, real estate executive and independent candidate for governor in 2006[49]
- James Libby, state senator and candidate for governor in 2002[50]
- Garrett Mason, former majority leader of the Maine Senate and candidate for governor in 2018[51]
- Owen McCarthy, University of Maine System trustee[52]
- Ben Midgley, former CEO of Crunch Fitness[53]
- Robert Wessels, former Paris selectman[54]
Failed to qualify
Withdrawn
Declined
- Rick Bennett, state senator, former President of the Maine Senate, and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2012 (running as an Independent)[58]
- Laurel Libby, state representative from the 90th district (2022–present) and the 64th district (2020–2022)[59]
- Shawn Moody, entrepreneur, nominee for governor in 2018, independent candidate for governor in 2010 (initially formed exploratory committee)[60]
- Ray Richardson, political analyst and radio host[18]
Endorsements
Jonathan Bush
- Individuals
- Billy Bush, television host (candidate's brother)[61]
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of January 15, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Jonathan Bush (R) | $964,451.00 | $717,809.34 | $623,141.66 |
| Kenneth Capron (R) | $3,511.30 | $3,316.87 | $194.43 |
| David J. Foster (R) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Robert Charles (R) | $543,972.66 | $316,378.85 | $307,593.81 |
| David Jones (R) | $439,776.84 | $212,470.03 | $339,108.12 |
| James Libby (R) | $14,745.00 | $14,355.85 | $389.15 |
| Owen McCarthy (R) | $336,472.00 | $176,120.07 | $215,351.93 |
| Ben Midgley (R) | $251,328.00 | $235,991.50 | $265,336.50 |
| Robert Wessels (R) | $41,535.90 | $24,708.94 | $16,826.96 |
| Source: Maine Ethics Commission[41] | |||
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Jonathan Bush |
Robert Charles |
David Jones |
James Libby |
Garrett Mason |
Owen McCarthy |
Ben Midgley |
Robert Wessels |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pan Atlantic Research[42] | February 13 – March 2, 2026 | 298 (LV) | – | 4% | 26% | 6% | 8% | 11% | 7% | 4% | – | – | 34% |
| University of New Hampshire[43] | February 12–16, 2026 | 404 (LV) | ± 4.9% | 5% | 28% | 7% | 2% | 12% | 1% | 6% | 4% | 3%[d] | 31% |
| Pan Atlantic Research[45] | November 29–December 7, 2025 | 312 (LV) | ± 6.1% | 5% | 16% | 6% | 3% | – | 2% | – | – | – | 68% |
| McLaughlin & Associates (R)[62][B] | August 23–25, 2025 | 300 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 4% | 28% | 2% | 1% | 1% | 2% | 0.3% | 3% | 23%[e] | 34% |
Hypothetical polling
Independents
Candidates
Declared
- Rick Bennett, state senator (1996–2004, 2020–present), Republican nominee for ME-2 in 1994 and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2012[58]
- Ed Crockett, state representative (2018–present)[63]
- John Glowa, retired environmental specialist[64]
- Derek Levasseur, former police officer and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in 2020[65]
Filed paperwork
- Alexander Murchison, mechanical engineer[66]
Endorsements
Rick Bennett
- Executive branch officials
- Christine Todd Whitman, former administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (2001–2003) (Forward; elected as a Republican)[67]
- Political parties
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of January 15, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Richard Bennett (I) | $528,570.00 | $295,446.09 | $233,123.91 |
| Ed Crockett (I) | $9,116.98 | $1,250.85 | $7,866.13 |
| John Glowa (I) | $118.00 | $0.00 | $118.00 |
| Alexander Murchison (I) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Source: Maine Ethics Commission[41] | |||
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[68] | Likely D | September 11, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[69] | Likely D | August 28, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[70] | Lean D | September 4, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[71] | Tilt D | January 30, 2026 |
See also
References
- ^ "2026 State Primary Election Dates". National Conference of State Legislatures. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Mistler, Steve (November 9, 2022). "Maine Gov. Janet Mills wins second term, defeating former GOP Gov. Paul LePage". NPR. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
- ^ a b Pendharkar, Eesha (March 26, 2025). "Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows officially announces bid for governor". Maine Morning Star. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Maine Election Returns". www.maine.gov. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
- ^ "2024 Maine Election Results". AP News. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
- ^ "GOP Sen. Susan Collins wins reelection in Maine". PBS News. November 4, 2020. Retrieved March 21, 2026.
- ^ Hilton, Annmarie (May 19, 2025). "Former Senate President Troy Jackson enters race for governor". Maine Morning Star. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
- ^ Everett, Burgess (May 6, 2025). "King of Maine? Angus King III launches governor bid". Semafor.
- ^ Flisiuk, Francis (June 10, 2025). "Hannah Pingree announces campaign for Maine Governor". WMTW. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
- ^ Miller, Kevin (October 20, 2025). "Former Maine CDC director, Dr. Nirav Shah, joins Democratic race for governor". Maine Public Broadcasting Network. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
- ^ a b "Angus King III leads Democrats in the 1st poll of 2026 Maine governor's race". WGME. June 3, 2025. Retrieved July 15, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Here are the Senate and Maine governor candidates who qualified for June primaries". The Portland Press Herald. March 16, 2026. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ^ "Jason Cherry drops out of gubernatorial race, switches to new campaign". WABI-TV. March 4, 2026. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
- ^ @JoeBaldacci (March 30, 2025). "Many, many nice people have asked if I was interested in running for Governor. I have no plans to do so because I am supporting my friend and former colleague and former Senate President Troy Jackson for Governor" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
- ^ Kobin, Billy (May 20, 2025). "Jared Golden will run for reelection in Maine's 2nd District in 2026". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
- ^ Shepherd, Michael (May 6, 2025). "Angus King's son will run for governor as a Democrat in 2026". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
- ^ Goldmacher, Shane (September 3, 2025). "Dan Kleban Joins Maine Democratic Primary, Seeking to Unseat Senator Susan Collins". The New York Times. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
- ^ a b Shepherd, Michael; Klobin, Billy (December 2, 2024). "The famous names and familiar faces considering a run for Maine governor". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
- ^ "Endorsements". Maine People's Alliance. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ^ Burns, Christopher (May 21, 2025). "Bernie Sanders endorses Troy Jackson for Maine's next governor". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
- ^ Brodey, Sam; Pindell, James (June 10, 2025). "Fresher faces, same names: Meet New England's new crop of politicians' relatives who are looking at elected office". Boston Globe. Retrieved June 12, 2025.
- ^ a b O'Brien, Andy (July 21, 2025). "Help Us Put a Working Class Candidate in the Blaine House". Maine AFL-CIO. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
- ^ McCusker, Cate (February 26, 2026). "Portland mayor endorses Troy Jackson for Maine governor". WMTW. Retrieved February 27, 2026.
- ^ a b c Graham, Gillian (May 19, 2025). "Troy Jackson announces run for Maine governor". Portland Press Herald. Archived from the original on May 20, 2025. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
- ^ "Professional Fire Fighters of Maine Endorse Troy Jackson for Governor | Maine AFL-CIO". maineaflcio.org. September 19, 2025. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
- ^ Stockford, Griffin (May 19, 2025). "Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson running for governor in 2026". News Center Maine. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
- ^ Teamsters Joint Council 10 [@NewEnglandTeamsters] (May 20, 2025). "Maine Teamsters Endorse Troy Jackson for Governor: Teamsters Local 340 joined major unions today to back Troy Jackson's campaign for Governor of Maine". Facebook. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Platner and Jackson endorsed by Maine State Nurses Association". WMTW-TV. September 18, 2025. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
- ^ "Troy Jackson for Governor - Maine". Our Revolution. May 29, 2025. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Everett, Burgess (May 6, 2025). "King of Maine? Angus King III launches governor bid". Semafor. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
He's also candid about his easy endorsement from one of the state's most popular politicians: his father, who just won a third term in the Senate and served two terms as governor.
- ^ a b c d McCauley, Lauren; Hilton, AnnMarie (November 7, 2025). "Maine House Speaker Fecteau backs Pingree for governor • Maine Morning Star". Maine Morning Star. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ^ Seitz-Wald, Alex [@aseitzwald] (March 19, 2026). "Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger endorses Hannah Pingree for Maine governor" (Tweet). Retrieved March 20, 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
- ^ Bromley, Lynn (December 26, 2025). "Coalition-builder Pingree is the governor Maine needs | Letter". Centralmaine.com. Retrieved January 27, 2026.
- ^ Flisiuk, Francis (November 7, 2025). "Maine House speaker to endorse Hannah Pingree for governor". WMTW. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
- ^ Gattine, Drew (February 6, 2026). "Hannah Pingree will deliver results for all Mainers - Opinion". Portland Press Herald.
- ^ Hubbell, Brian (February 6, 2026). "Pingree's proven skills". Mount Desert Islander.
- ^ Kobin, Billy (March 11, 2026). "Stephen King endorses a Maine governor candidate". The Portland Press Herald. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
- ^ "Vote Mama PAC | Candidates". Vote Mama PAC. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
- ^ "With rare primary endorsement, environmental PAC backs Hannah Pingree for Maine governor • Maine Morning Star". Maine Morning Star. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
- ^ "314 Action Fund Endorses Nirav Shah for Maine Governor". 3.14 Action. December 16, 2025. Retrieved December 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Maine Ethics Commission - Candidates". Retrieved July 30, 2025.
- ^ a b "68th Omnibus Poll". Pan Atlantic Research. March 4, 2026. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
- ^ a b McKinley, Sean P.; Smith, Andrew E.; Azem, Zachary S.; Keirns, Tracy (February 24, 2026). "IN MAINE SENATE RACE, PLATNER LEADS MILLS IN PRIMARY AND COLLINS IN GENERAL ELECTION MATCHUP". University of New Hampshire. Retrieved February 24, 2026.
- ^ "Dr. Nirav Shah the Leader in Just-Completed Survey of Maine Democratic Primary Voters". Hart Research. January 26, 2026. Retrieved January 26, 2026.
- ^ a b "67th OMNIBUS POLL" (PDF). panatlanticresearch.com/. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
- ^ a b "66th OMNIBUS POLL" (PDF). WGME. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
- ^ Kobin, Billy (October 8, 2025). "Jonathan Bush joins the Republican field vying to become Maine governor". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved October 8, 2025.
- ^ Kobin, Billy (April 15, 2025). "He served under George W. Bush. Now he's running for Maine governor". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
- ^ Cover, Susan (May 20, 2025). "Falmouth Republican launches bid for Maine governor in 2026". Spectrum News. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
- ^ St Pierre, Ariana (May 22, 2025). "Sen. James Libby running for governor of Maine". WGME-TV. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ Shepherd, Michael (January 7, 2026). "Garrett Mason runs for Maine governor with the help of a top JD Vance ally". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ "Businessman Owen McCarthy joins Gubernatorial race". WABI-TV. June 11, 2025. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
- ^ Kobin, Billy (August 5, 2025). "Former fitness executive Ben Midgley joins Maine Republican governor's race". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ Patten, Sam (February 24, 2025). "Contenders for the Blaine House in 2026 Start Lining Up". The Maine Wire. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
- ^ "Ken Capron announces run for Maine governor in 2026 race". WCSH. May 26, 2025. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ "Maine Ethics Commission -- David J. Foster". mainecampaignfinance.com. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
- ^ "Steven Christopher Sheppard -- Maine Campaign Finance". Maine Campaign Finance. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ^ a b "State Sen. Rick Bennett launches gubernatorial campaign for 2026". WCSH. June 24, 2025. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
- ^ Flisiuk, Francis (November 17, 2025). "Maine Rep. Laurel Libby won't seek reelection, announces launch of conservative super PAC". WMTW. Retrieved November 17, 2025.
- ^ "Shawn Moody Suspends Gubernatorial Campaign Amid Health Concerns". Newsradio WGAN. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ^ Reed, Russ (October 8, 2025). "Jonathan Bush announces he's running for governor of Maine". WMTW. Retrieved October 8, 2025.
- ^ "Bobby Charles Leads GOP Gubernatorial Field in His Own Internal Poll — More Than a Third Still Undecided". The Maine Wire. August 29, 2025. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ^ Johnson, Drew (September 24, 2025). "Longtime Portland lawmaker enters race for Maine governor as an independent". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
- ^ Cover, Susan (April 18, 2025). "Republican focused on fighting crime launches bid for Maine governor". Spectrum News. Retrieved June 2, 2025.
- ^ "Derek Levasseur enters Maine governor race". WGME. November 7, 2025. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
- ^ Billings, Randy (May 15, 2025). "Hannah Pingree to step down from Mills administration". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
- ^ a b Mundry, Jackie (November 20, 2025). "Former New Jersey governor campaigns in Maine for Rick Bennett". WMTW. Retrieved November 20, 2025.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
External links
- Official campaign websites
- Shenna Bellows (D) for governor
- Rick Bennett (I) for governor
- Jonathan Bush (R) for governor
- Robert Charles (R) for governor
- Ed Crockett (I) for governor
- John Glowa (I) for governor
- Troy Jackson (D) for governor
- David Jones (R) for governor
- Angus King III (D) for governor
- Jim Libby (R) for governor
- Garrett Mason (R) for governor
- Owen McCarthy (R) for governor
- Ben Midgley (R) for governor
- Hannah Pingree (D) for governor
- Nirav Shah (D) for governor
- Robert Wessels (R) for governor