Here’s what to look for as Maine’s 2026 race for governor take shape

Augusta: So, the buzz is already starting about who might run for governor in Maine come 2026. Even though the last election just wrapped up, folks are already checking if they have what it takes to jump into the race.

Names are floating around, like Rep. Jared Golden and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. There’s even talk about Travis Mills, a retired Army sergeant who’s done some amazing work since his service. But, hold your horses! It’s way too early to make any solid guesses.

Brent Littlefield, a Republican consultant, warns that trying to predict this far out is a risky business. He’s seen it before—often, the names we think will run don’t even make it to the ballot.

David Farmer, a Democratic consultant, agrees. He says it’s just too early to figure out who’s in the running. With two years left for the current governor, Janet Mills, it’s tough for anyone to break through and make a name for themselves.

Potential candidates are quietly weighing their options and chatting with key players before making any big announcements. They’re reaching out to party leaders, donors, and activists to gauge support.

Some lesser-known candidates might jump in soon to start building their name recognition, while the bigger names can afford to wait a bit longer. It’s all about timing, you know?

But the real kicker is figuring out the political climate in two years. Will it be about state issues, or will it be a reaction to Trump’s agenda? That could really change the game.

And then there’s the question of what voters want. Do they want someone with a long history in politics, or are they looking for a fresh face without a lot of baggage? It’s a tough call.

Littlefield points out that historically, Mainers don’t usually elect someone from the same party as the outgoing governor. So, if you’re a Democrat, it might be a tough road ahead.

One thing’s for sure: the field is likely to get crowded. Gov. Mills herself mentioned that there will be no shortage of candidates from both parties, plus some independents might throw their hats in the ring.

On the Democratic side, names like U.S. Rep. Jared Golden and former Senate President Troy Jackson are getting attention. For the Republicans, folks like former U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin are in the mix too.

Candidates will have to win their party’s primary, which can be tricky. They’ll need to appeal to their party’s base while also keeping an eye on the general election voters.

With Maine’s new semi-open primary system, it’s still unclear how that will shake things up. Independents can join in, which could change the dynamics a bit.

Speaking of independents, they often have the cash to run their campaigns without relying on party support. Travis Mills is one name being tossed around as a potential independent candidate. He’s got a strong profile thanks to his foundation and his service.

Crystal Canney, who’s worked on independent campaigns, thinks Mills could be a serious contender. He’s a great speaker and has a lot of respect in the community.

Even though Maine uses ranked choice voting for some elections, it doesn’t apply to state offices like governor, which could lead to some unexpected outcomes.

Politics can be a wild ride, and it’s hard to say who will come out on top. Just look at how LePage surprised everyone back in 2010!

There are always surprises in the mix, especially for an open seat. Who would have thought the mayor of Waterville would become a two-term governor? It’s anyone’s guess!