In Maine, the next generation of Democrats emerges to succeed Gov. Janet Mills

August 1, 2025

Maine is gearing up for its 2026 gubernatorial race with a diverse field of candidates seeking to replace term-limited Democratic Governor Janet Mills. The Democratic primary features Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Senate President Troy Jackson, former House Speaker Hannah Pingree, and energy executive Angus King III, while Republicans have state Senator James Libby, former U.S. Assistant Secretary Robert Charles, real estate executive David Jones, and University trustee Owen McCarthy competing. Maine leans Democratic at the presidential level, giving Democrats a favorable outlook in the upcoming governor's race.

Who is affected

Maine residents who rely on Medicaid, food assistance, and energy assistance programs
Transgender athletes in Maine sports
The general voting population of Maine
LGBTQ+ community members in Maine

What action is being taken

Multiple Democratic and Republican candidates are actively campaigning for their respective party nominations for the 2026 Maine gubernatorial race
Democrats are raising concerns about the impacts of Republican tax and spending cut legislation on Maine's social programs
State-level policy decisions are increasingly addressing issues like abortion, child care, and LGBTQ+ rights

Why it matters

Governors and state legislatures have become more important as the Supreme Court and Congress delegate policy decisions to states
The governor's position influences policies on contentious issues like transgender athletes in sports
Maine's rural population depends on assistance programs that could face cuts under Republican legislation
The race is part of 36 governorships up for election in 2026, including several in politically competitive states

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The 19th