ME-GOV: We followed the five Democrats running for governor on the campaign trail. Here's what we learned.
They’ve traveled across the state holding town halls, they’ve mostly been cordial in debates, and their policy positions are often similar. But at campaign stops across Maine, supporters of the five Democrats running for governor described their preferred candidate in strikingly different terms: a grassroots fighter, a labor champion, a businessman, a proven leader, a problem solver.
With the June 9 ranked-choice primary one week away, the race may come down less to what the candidates would do in office than to who voters trust to lead.
Shenna Bellows, Troy Jackson, Angus King III, Hannah Pingree and Nirav Shah generally agree on the need for the next governor to oppose the Trump administration, address the increasing cost of living for Mainers as well as tackle some longstanding challenges with energy, housing, and education. Each one has also talked about how the status quo is not working, and how they’re the ideal person to change it.
All five candidates have said they would govern differently from outgoing Gov. Janet Mills. Although they applauded her for standing up to President Donald Trump, a majority said they would have signed bills that she vetoed regarding prescription drug prices, a ban on data centers, and tribal sovereignty.
https://mainemorningstar.com/2026/06/02/we-followed-the-five-democrats-running-for-governor-on-the-campaign-trail-heres-what-we-learned/