Full Breakdown
Maine Gubernatorial Primary Decided by Ranked-Choice Runoff
6/19/2026, 10:51:37 PM
Ranked-Choice System
Maine’s ranked-choice voting for primaries requires a majority (>50 %). If no candidate reaches it, the lowest-ranked candidate is eliminated and votes move to the next preference until a majority is achieved. Recounts are limited to a top-three candidate who files a written request within five business days.
Candidates
The Democratic primary included former House Speaker Hannah Pingree, former CDC director Dr. Nirav Shah, former Senate President Troy Jackson, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Angus King III. Pingree, daughter of Rep. Chellie Pingree, cross-endorsed with Jackson and Bellows, urging mutual ranking. The Republican field was led by State Department official and Navy veteran Bobby Charles, with Jonathan Bush, Ben Midgley and others on the ballot.
Tabulation Results
The June 9 primary required a tabulation. Officials completed the count at 1:45 a.m. on June 19. Pingree won the Democratic runoff with over 55 % after overtaking Shah, who led first-choice with about 27 %; her first-round share was reported as 22.3 % and 23.3 % in different sources. Charles secured the Republican runoff with more than 60 % after starting with roughly 38 % first-choice. Turnout topped 200,000 Democrats and about 99,000 Republicans.
Official Statements
Pingree thanked voters and called for a “diverse coalition” to defeat Charles and Rick Bennett. Governor Janet Mills endorsed Pingree. Charles condemned ranked-choice voting as “wrong for Maine” and vowed to end it if elected. Graham Platton ranked Jackson first, then Pingree and Bellows.
Criticism
Charles’s critique raised concerns about delayed results, voter confidence, and his own fitness, with rivals citing a “bombastic” style and a proposal to cut the state budget by a third.
On-Ground
Local outlets streamed the runoff results live as officials entered the final tallies. Verification of paper ballots from all towns extended the timeline, a step staff said was essential for accuracy.
Conflicts
Sources differ on Pingree’s first-round percentage (22.3 % vs 23.3 %) and Shah’s share (26.8 % vs 27 %). Charles’s initial share is reported as 37.9 % and 38 %. No source provides a final certified statewide turnout figure beyond the approximate numbers cited.
Quotes
- “Ranked-choice voting is wrong for Maine. Tonight, nine days after Mainers went to the polls, we still do not have a final certified result.” — Bobby Charles, Republican candidate
- “When I am governor, we will fix this.” — Bobby Charles, Republican candidate
- “I’m grateful, I’m ready and there is no time to waste.” — Hannah Pingree, Democratic candidate
- “This campaign is about housing that allows young people to stay in Maine, quality health care we can afford, no matter where you live.” — Hannah Pingree, Democratic candidate
Next Steps
Pingree, Charles and independent Rick Bennett will contest the November 3 general election, decided by a plurality rather than RCV. The Cook Political Report rates the race as “likely Democrat.” Charles has pledged to reform or end RCV if elected.
