PORTLAND, Maine — Newsradio WGAN’s Matt Gagnon projects that Democrat Hannah Pingree will win Maine’s 2026 gubernatorial election, though official election results have not yet been declared.

Pingree, the former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives and former Director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, leads a competitive three-way contest against Republican nominee Robert Charles and Independent candidate Rick Bennett.

Hannah Pingree released the following statement: 

“I am humbled, honored and grateful to the people of Maine. It is the privilege of my life to be elected your governor, and I promise to work as hard as I can, every single day, for every person and community in this state. Tonight, Maine chose caring for your neighbors over noise and negativity, and leadership that gets things done by working together. That is who I am. That is who we are. And to everyone who voted for someone else: I heard you, and I will work every day to earn your trust and be a governor for this entire state.”

“The work ahead of us cannot wait. I believe every Mainer deserves a home they can afford, health care close to home, and a community where good jobs, great public schools and small businesses can thrive. We’ll stand together to take care of each other during a hard winter. We will stand firm for our values and our neighbors, and we will deliver on the issues that matter. I’ll work with anyone who has a good idea to make Maine better, and I’ll stand up and fight for Maine people when our state and our people are threatened. This isn’t the finish line. It’s the starting line, and Maine’s future is worth the fight.”

Projected Outcome and Next Steps

While WGAN’s projection points to a Pingree victory, final vote tallies and official declarations remain pending across the state.

If confirmed by state election officials, Pingree will succeed outgoing Governor Janet Mills to become the next chief executive of the Pine Tree State. Her campaign focused on key state priorities, including:

• Housing Affordability: State-backed initiatives to expand housing supply and lower residential costs.

• Rural Healthcare & Infrastructure: Expanding access to regional medical centers, mental health services, and high-speed broadband access in rural communities.

• Climate Resilience & Economic Innovation: Investments in clean energy, workforce development, and coastal infrastructure to safeguard Maine’s working waterfronts.

What Lies Ahead for Augusta

Pingree will take office during the upcoming inaugural ceremonies in January 2027. She faces an early agenda likely to focus on balancing the state budget, tackling regional cost-of-living pressures, and working alongside a newly seated Maine State Legislature.

Complete Election Night Coverage

For real-time updates, complete precinct reports, and ongoing projections throughout election night, follow WGAN’s full coverage at www.maineelectionnight.com.

WGAN News will continue to provide live updates, detailed vote breakdowns by county, and reaction from across the state throughout the night.