Who is running in Maine’s 2026 Governor election?
The 2026 Governor’s race in Maine is set to determine the state’s next chief executive. With incumbent Democratic Governor Janet Mills term-limited and running for the U.S. Senate, the position is open for a wide field of candidates. This article outlines the contenders, the election process, and the top issues shaping the Maine Governor election in 2026. Readers will find a straightforward guide to the candidates and election basics.
Who is Running in the 2026 Maine Governor Election?
Maine will hold its gubernatorial election on November 3, 2026, to choose the state’s 76th governor. The current governor, Janet Mills (Democratic), is term-limited and has launched a campaign for the U.S. Senate. This has led to an open seat for the first time since 2018, making the race highly competitive. Maine is a moderately blue, rural New England state that has favored Democratic presidential nominees since 1992, with the legislature and congressional delegation also under Democratic control. Notably, Republicans have not won a majority in a Maine gubernatorial race since 1962. According to major analysts, the 2026 Maine Governor election is rated as ‘likely Democratic.’ Voters will choose among a diverse range of candidates, with the primaries scheduled for June 9, 2026, coinciding with federal races and statewide contests.
Candidates in the 2026 Maine Governor Election
Several Democratic candidates have declared in Maine’s 2026 Governor election. These include: – Shenna Bellows, Maine’s Secretary of State since 2021 and former U.S. Senate nominee (2014), has filed candidacy and is supported by the Maine People’s Alliance. – Jason Cherry, an attorney and 2024 independent candidate for U.S. Senate, has filed to run. – Troy Jackson, former President of the Maine Senate (2018–2024) and 2014 congressional candidate. Notably, according to the provided summary, he is endorsed by Bernie Sanders and several Maine political and labor organizations. – Angus King III, an energy executive and son of Senator Angus King. His backers, per the input, include his father. – Kenneth Pinet, a retired hotel worker, is officially declared and filed. – Hannah Pingree, former director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and former House Speaker, has endorsements including former DHHS commissioner Jeanne Lambrew and the Vote Mama organization. – Nirav Shah, formerly deputy director of the CDC and Maine CDC director, has also filed. Republican candidates include: – Jonathan Bush, healthcare executive and nephew of former President George H.W. Bush. His brother, television host Billy Bush, is a supporter. – Ken Capron, a retired accountant, has filed to run. – Robert Charles, lawyer and former Assistant Secretary of State, leads the Republican field in fundraising. – David Jones, real estate executive and past 2006 gubernatorial candidate. – James Libby, state senator and 2002 gubernatorial candidate. – Owen McCarthy, University of Maine System trustee. – Ben Midgely, former CEO of Crunch Fitness. – Robert Wessels, former Paris selectman. Independent and other party candidates include: – Rick Bennett, state senator, former President of the Maine Senate, and past congressional and Senate candidate. – Ed Crockett, state representative since 2018. – John Glowa, retired environmental specialist. – Alexander Murchison, mechanical engineer. All candidates listed above have officially filed for the 2026 Maine Governor election according to available records. Endorsements and fundraising summaries are based on candidate disclosures and public reporting where noted.
The 2026 Maine Gubernatorial Election Detials.
The 2026 Maine gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026. Primaries to select each party’s nominee are scheduled for June 9, held alongside federal and state-level primaries. The format and rules for these primaries follow the state’s usual party-based nomination process. The incumbent, Democrat Janet Mills, is not seeking re-election due to Maine’s term-limit laws and is instead running for the U.S. Senate. This creates a competitive open-seat race, which historically increases candidate numbers and voter attention. Maine’s state elections often coincide with major federal contests, prompting higher turnout in general election years. According to publicly available summaries, the general election will select Maine’s next governor using established state procedures as of 2026. No changes to the election process, such as ranked-choice voting for the governor’s race, are specifically mentioned in the provided information. Voters will choose from the nominees of the Democratic and Republican parties as well as independent and other qualified candidates.
Polling and Race Outlook in the Maine Governor Election
As of the information available, there is no detailed polling data for the 2026 Maine Governor race. Some early polls have suggested Angus King III leads the Democratic field; however, comprehensive head-to-head data is not provided. The Democratic primary features a broad field of candidates, and major endorsements, such as the support of Bernie Sanders for Troy Jackson, have been reported. Republican and independent candidates are likewise numerous, making the outcome of the primaries uncertain at this stage. Most political analysts currently rate the general election as ‘likely Democratic,’ reflecting Maine’s recent voting patterns and the current national context. There are no public surveys indicating strong movement toward any other party, but as the race develops, further polling is expected.
Key Issues in the 2026 Maine Governor Race
The key issues driving the 2026 Maine Governor election include government transparency and accountability, economic innovation, cost of living and tax relief, education, and public health, particularly drug policy and the fentanyl crisis. Additional focus areas are the environment and climate action, infrastructure improvements, support for labor unions and minimum wage increases, and election integrity. Organizations such as the League of Women Voters of Maine advocate for reforms like clean elections, campaign finance transparency, and improvements in election administration. The state’s rural character and history of divided government fuel ongoing discussions about economic development and service delivery. Urban and rural voters may also cite infrastructure and school investment as central to the campaign discussion, reflecting broader statewide priorities referenced in official summaries and candidate positions.
Work with Sutton & Smart on Your 2026 Campaign
Campaign professionals, candidates, and political organizations: Sutton & Smart can assist with petition gathering, canvassing programs, voter contact, and comprehensive consulting for the 2026 Maine elections. Contact us to strengthen your outreach and field operations for the Governor’s race or other Maine campaigns.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/14/us/politics/janet-mills-senate-race-maine-susan-collins.html
Maine 2026 Election Candidate Guide: Governor, Senate, and Congressional Races
https://www.lwvme.org/MaineAction
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Jon Sutton
An expert in management, strategy, and field organizing, Jon has been a frequent commentator in national publications.
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