Hannah Pingree announces run for Maine governor
Jun. 10—Hannah Pingree is running for governor, adding her name to a list of well-known candidates battling it for the Democratic nomination in 2026.
Pingree made her formal announcement Tuesday morning and is kicking off her campaign with a rally in Rockland and then hold additional events in Lewiston, Biddeford and Portland.
"I am running for Governor to bring Maine people together to do the hard things that none of us can do by ourselves," Pingree said in the written announcement. "As a state, we face real challenges—but I also know we have real opportunities. I believe in Maine, and I believe in Mainers. I'm ready to travel the state to listen, to learn, and to talk about how we can build a strong future for Maine."
Pingree said her campaign will focus on expanding access to affordable housing and health care, addressing the rising cost of living and building strong communities. She said she is "committed to growing the economy, creating good-paying jobs in every region and strengthening Maine's workforce for the future," as well as protecting working waterfronts, farms and forests from the impacts of climate change.
Pingree, a former speaker of the Maine House, joins a slate of well-known Democrats looking to replace Gov. Janet Mills, who cannot seek reelection because of term limits.
Other declared Democrats include former Senate President Troy Jackson, of Allagash, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, of Manchester, and renewable energy entrepreneur Angus King III.
Pingree is the daughter of U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st District, and King is the son of U.S. Sen. Angus King an independent.
Pingree formerly served as the director of the Governor's Office of Policy and Innovation, where she helped coordinate cross-agency initiatives for climate change, housing, children and aging.
Pingree resigned last month, fueling speculation that she would seek the Democratic nomination for the 2026 governor's race.
"Gov. Mills has given me a tremendous opportunity to work on issues that are important to Maine," Pingree said at the time. "Housing, climate, economic recovery. I am leaving the administration. I am exploring how to continue to focus on the future."
Prior to joining the Mills administration, the 48-year-old North Haven resident served four terms in the Maine House of Representatives, including stints as the speaker and majority leader. She also helped run a family farm and inn.
Republicans also will have a number of choices in their party's June 2026 gubernatorial primary.
Bobby Charles, a Leeds resident and lawyer who served under President George W. Bush, announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in April. State Sen. James Libby, R-Standish, declared last month.
Other candidates who have filed campaign paperwork with the state are: Republicans David Jones, of Falmouth; Steven Shepherd, of Bangor; Robert Wessels, of South Paris; and Ken Capron, of Portland; Democrat Kenneth Pinette, of South Portland; and Alexander Murchison, an unenrolled candidate from Dover-Foxcroft.
Democrats have held a trifecta since Mills took office in 2019, maintaining majorities in both the House and Senate.
But the party is facing historic headwinds in 2026.
Since the 1950s, Mainers have not elected a candidate from the same political party as a departing governor — a trend that began after Maine had five consecutive Republican governors from 1937 through 1955.
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