Democrat Hannah Pingree won Maine’s gubernatorial race on Tuesday night, defeating a Republican and an independent in a contest dominated by both local and national issues.
With more than three-quarters of the state’s precincts reporting early Wednesday morning, Pingree led Republican Bobby Charles 54.8% to 37.2%. Independent Rick Bennett trailed with 8% of the vote. The Associated Press called the race just after 11:30 p.m., ensuring Pingree will succeed Gov. Janet Mills and keep the Blaine House under Democratic control for at least four more years.
A Long Political Career Reaches the Blaine House
Pingree, 50, celebrated the victory with supporters in Portland alongside other Democratic wins across the state. The North Haven resident continues a political career that started over two decades ago when voters elected her to the Maine House at age 25. Six years later, her peers chose her as House Speaker, making her the youngest woman in the country to hold the position at that time. Beginning in January, she will work alongside her mother, U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, who secured a 10th term representing Maine’s 1st Congressional District on Tuesday.
During the campaign, Pingree focused heavily on affordability, pledging to expand initiatives she previously spearheaded as a chief advisor to Mills for six years. Her platform centered on affordable housing, climate crisis measures, property tax relief, and a state-backed public option for health care. She also positioned herself as a direct counterweight to federal policies under President Donald Trump, criticizing tariffs, the conflict with Iran, and cuts to federal safety net programs.
Hannah Pingree addressed the crowd, saying, “Tonight is actually about celebrating. We’ve earned it. Hug somebody, text your mom. We’ve all earned it. And then we’re gonna get to work.”
Opposition from Charles and Bennett
Republican challenger Bobby Charles argued that a Pingree administration would essentially operate as Mills 2.0, pointing to rising electricity and daily living costs under the current administration. A former naval intelligence officer and assistant U.S. secretary of state, Charles campaigned on fiscal responsibility and restoring common sense to Augusta.
In his concession speech in Bangor, Charles maintained that his campaign laid the groundwork for a lasting political movement in the state.
“Many wanted change, but not enough — not yet,” Charles said. “Eighteen months ago, Maine was in peril. It remains in peril now. I am proud of what we built together. This is not a one-off campaign. It is the start of a movement. We will not let this movement slow.”
Independent Rick Bennett, a former state lawmaker and former chairman of the Maine GOP who unenrolled from the party last year, campaigned on bridging the partisan divide. Despite the heavy focus on the separate U.S. Senate contest, the gubernatorial race remained tied to broader national debates over living costs and political opposition to the Trump administration.
Pingree Leads Fundraising Totals Ahead of January Inauguration
Financial disclosures filed with the Maine Ethics Commission showed Pingree leading fundraising efforts with nearly $5 million collected since the June primaries, allowing for television ads and an extensive statewide canvassing effort. Charles raised roughly $2 million, relying heavily on social media outreach, while Bennett reported contributions just under $1 million.
Following the race call, Pingree acknowledged voters who supported her opponents, promising to represent the entire electorate as she prepares for her January inauguration.
