14 Potential Candidates for the Maine Gubernatorial Race in 2026

Believe it or not, 2026 is just around the corner, and with it comes a big change for Maine: a new governor.

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Janet Mills has reached her two consecutive four-year term limit, meaning she can’t run again right away. While Maine governors don’t face lifetime term limits, one thing we do know is that someone new will lead the state—but who will it be?

So, with that in mind, how did we come up with these names as potential candidates for governor in Maine in less than two years?

The Bangor Daily News article ‘The Famous Names and Familiar Faces Considering a Run for Maine Governor’ by Billy Kobin and Michael Shepherd explores the early stages of Maine’s 2026 gubernatorial race. It highlights how potential candidates are currently in the planning phases, with speculation centered around prominent political figures.

The article notes historical trends, such as Maine’s tendency to alternate governors between parties, which could bolster Republican optimism.

Drawing from a successful candidate prediction list published eight years ago, the authors suggest that campaigning will begin to gain momentum next year.

Here are just some of the names mentioned by the Bangor Daily News as potential candidates for governor in 2026.

Before we jump into who might run, who do you think will throw their hat in the ring?

Jared Golden

Jared Golden has represented Maine’s 2nd Congressional District since 2018.

Hannah Pingree

Hannah Pingree, a former Maine House speaker and daughter of U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, currently leads Governor Mills’ policy office.

Shenna Bellows

Shenna Bellows, Maine’s Secretary of State, made headlines after disqualifying Donald Trump from this year’s primary before the U.S. Supreme Court reversed her decision.

Troy Jackson

Troy Jackson, outgoing Senate President and Allagash native, has a long history of advocating for labor unions and rural Maine.

Spencer Thibodeau

Spencer Thibodeau, a former Portland City Councilor, now serves in the Biden administration’s Energy Department.

Ryan Fecteau

Ryan Fecteau, the incoming House Speaker from Biddeford, is focusing on his new leadership role.

Jonathan S. Bush

Jonathan S. Bush, nephew and cousin of former Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush, has been meeting with Maine political leaders over the past year.

Garrett Mason

Garrett Mason, a former Maine Senate Majority Leader and lobbyist, previously finished second in a gubernatorial primary. He may run again in 2026.

James Libby

State Senator James Libby, R-Standish, is weighing another run for governor.

Bruce Poliquin

Former U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin, who previously served Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, is a familiar name in state politics.

Rick Bennett

State Senator Rick Bennett of Oxford.

Laurel Libby

Representative Laurel Libby of Auburn is considering a run.

Robert B. Charles

Wayne native Robert B. Charles, a former assistant secretary of state and frequent Fox News contributor, has been attending events to gauge interest in his candidacy.

Jordan Verge

Bangor radio host Jordan Verge has not ruled out a future gubernatorial run but would not meet Maine’s legal age requirement of 30 in 2026.

Aside from the last name, which was not mentioned in the Bangor Daily News article, what are your thoughts on the list of names?

How does the field of candidates look to you? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to join the conversation by messaging us on the app.