Democrats in Maine have nominated Hannah Pingree for the 2026 gubernatorial election. According to results relayed by the Associated Press, Pingree defeated a crowded field of primary candidates.
Former Maine State Senate President Troy Jackson was also in the race and was backed by Graham Platner for the Senate nomination. Jackson's loss is also seen as a negative outcome for Platner, who is trying to defeat Susan Collins in the November midterm elections.
Platner and Jackson campaigned together multiple times ahead of the June 9 primary. The two were seen together at a "Fighting Oligarchy" rally at the end of May, which Bernie Sanders also attended.
Platner has also faced allegations of past abusive relationships and controversy over a tattoo alleged to have Nazi origins. Jackson, during this process, stood behind Platner's candidacy and appeared on stage with him at a rally in Bar Harbor.
Pingree emerged as the leading candidate in the race where incumbent Governor Janet Mills could not run again due to term limits. Mills suspended her Senate campaign in March after failing to raise sufficient funds and trailing in polls, later endorsing Pingree.
Due to Maine's ranked-choice voting system, voters ranked the candidates in order of preference. Nirav Shah, who received the most first-choice votes, fell behind Pingree, who garnered support from a broader coalition.
Shah is known as the figure who led Maine's COVID-19 response. Previously the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Shah grew up in Wisconsin and Kentucky.
On the Republican side of the primary, Bobby Charles defeated a crowded field that included Jonathan Bush to become the nominee. The Cook Political Report indicates the race appears advantageous for Democrats.
