Maine’s race for governor heads to ranked choice tallies in both primaries
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- The Democratic and Republican primaries for Maine governor are highly competitive with no candidate expected to secure a majority, triggering ranked choice voting to determine the nominees.
- In the Democratic primary, physician Nirav Shah leads narrowly but under 50%, with Hannah Pingree, endorsed by outgoing Governor Janet Mills, in second place; former state Senate President Troy Jackson has Bernie Sanders' endorsement.
- Three Democratic candidates—Jackson, Pingree, and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows—have formed a cross-endorsement pact to rank each other highly, aiming to consolidate support and isolate Shah.
- On the Republican side, Bobby Charles, a former naval intelligence officer and federal official, leads the primary and campaigns on cutting crime, taxes, and "woke" policies, facing challengers including Jonathan Bush and Garrett Mason.
- Maine's open governorship, due to term limits for Janet Mills, reflects the state's history of electing both Democratic and Republican governors and its independent-minded electorate.