The list of candidates seeking to become Maine’s next governor continues to grow as the 2026 election inches closer.
The race is wide open by way of Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, leaving office at the end of 2026 due to term limits. Maine has not elected consecutive governors of the same party since the 1950s, giving Republicans hope of winning the Blaine House despite seven years of full Democratic control of Augusta.
Democrats have a well-shaped field early in the race. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Senate President Troy Jackson and former clean energy executive Angus King III are in. Former Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree is among those looming as a potential candidate.
Republicans have a more open nominating race. Five men are already running, including state Sen. Jim Libby of Standish and lawyer Bobby Charles. On the sidelines are prospective candidates including state Rep. Laurel Libby of Auburn, 2018 nominee Shawn Moody, entrepreneur Jonathan Bush and former Maine Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason.
As candidates continue to make decisions on running in the coming months, we’ll keep track of the flurry of news with this tracker below.
