2026 Maine gubernatorial election

For related races, see 2026 United States gubernatorial elections.

2026 Maine gubernatorial election

November 3, 2026

Party Democratic Republican

Incumbent Governor Janet Mills Democratic

The 2026 Maine gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Maine. Incumbent Democratic governor Janet Mills is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Filed paperwork

• Kenneth Forrest Pinet[1]

Publicly expressed interest

• Spencer Thibodeau, former Portland city councilor and candidate for mayor of Portland in 2019[2]

Potential

• Shenna Bellows, Maine Secretary of State and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2014[3][2]
• Ryan Fecteau, Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives[2]
• Jared Golden, U.S. Representative from Maine's 2nd congressional district[4][2]
• Troy Jackson, former President of the Maine Senate[3][2]
• Hannah Pingree, director of the Maine Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives[3][2]
• Rachel Talbot Ross, state senator and former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives[3][2]

Declined

• Adam Lee, car dealer[2]

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

• Robert Wessels, cell phone store manager[5]

Publicly expressed interest

• Jonathan Bush, healthcare executive and nephew of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush[2]
• Robert Charles, lawyer and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State[2]
• David Jones, real estate executive and candidate for governor in 2006[2]
• Jason Levesque, former mayor of Auburn and nominee for Maine's 2nd congressional district in 2010[6]
• Laurel Libby, state representative[2]
• Garrett Mason, former majority leader of the Maine Senate and candidate for governor in 2018[2]
• Bruce Poliquin, former U.S. representative from Maine's 2nd congressional district[2]

Potential

• Rick Bennett, state senator, former President of the Maine Senate, and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2012[4]
• Peter Cianchette, former U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica, former state representative, and nominee for governor in 2002[2]
• James Libby, state senator and candidate for governor in 2002[2]

Declined

• Ray Richardson, political analyst and radio host[2]

References

1. "Kenneth Forrest Pinet". Maine Ethics Commission. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
2. Shepherd, Billy Kobin, Michael (2024-12-02). "The famous names and familiar faces considering a run for Maine governor". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
3. Gagnon, Matthew (2024-05-15). "The race for Maine governor in 2026 has begun". Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on 2024-11-11. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
4. "Election 2024: Looking forward to Maine's 2026 gubernatorial race". WCSH. 2024-11-05. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
5. "Wessels declares gubernatorial candidacy plans to scooter across state" (Press release). 2024-04-25. Retrieved 2024-11-17 – via Sun Journal.
6. Rice, Andrew (2023-12-03). "Jason Levesque says his loss is a 'cautionary tale' for municipal leaders pushing for change". Lewiston Sun Journal. Retrieved 2024-12-05.