Polling Average
10%8%6%4%2%0%
7%
Rick Bennett
Maine Republican Governor nominee?
$168.1K
JUN 10, 2026
Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Senator
Political ideologyCentrist Independent
GenderMale
LocationMaine
BackgroundBusiness executive
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EducationB.A., Harvard University (1986)
Notable personal detailsRichard A. “Rick” Bennett is a Maine businessman and longtime state legislator who has served in both the Maine House and Maine Senate, including as President of the Maine Senate under a power-sharing arrangement. He has also chaired the Maine Republican Party and later left the party to run for governor as an independent/unenrolled candidate. In the private sector, he has worked as an executive and advisor in corporate governance and served on various boards and commissions.
SourcesShowHide
bennettforgovernor.commainecampaignfinancedisclosure.commesenategop.commainepublic.orgen.wikipedia.orgmultistate.uswww1.maine.govmainedems.orgbobbyformaine.comlegistorm.combangordailynews.combennet.senate.govcourts.maine.govwikizero.orglldc.mainelegislature.orgmaine.govmidmainechamber.comreddit.comthemainewire.comsunjournal.comrickbennett.orgmainemorningstar.commainelegislature.orgpressherald.comwabi.tvlegislature.maine.govmainehousegop.orgnewscentermaine.comforwardparty.cominstagram.comivn.usseacoastonline.comspectrumlocalnews.comwmtw.compolitico.comyahoo.comamericanjournalnews.comyoutube.comdailybulldog.comfacebook.comjustfacts.votesmart.orgfec.govballotready.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgdailypress.senate.govsenate.govnga.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgcollins.senate.govlegislation.ballotpedia.orgfrontpage.ballotpedia.orgwikidata.orgncsl.org
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports a ‘tax fairness’ approach that would eliminate unfair tax exemptions, provide targeted tax relief for those most in need, protect older Mainers from being taxed out of their homes, and use revenue for community-strengthening priorities. Has supported specific tax measures in the legislature (including voting for a 2023 payroll-funded paid family leave program) and sponsored tax-incentive proposals such as a pilot program to encourage a four-day work week for businesses.
Healthcare
Supports making coverage more affordable and increasing access by focusing on prevention, primary care, mental health and addiction treatment; prioritizes lowering prescription drug costs and protecting women’s reproductive health; proposes revamping the Fund for Healthy Maine to support health programs.
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Immigration & Border
Supports limiting local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and has expressed concern about federal immigration enforcement tactics; has engaged with initiatives related to immigrant integration. Positions emphasize restricting enforcement cooperation rather than expanding enforcement measures.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports restrictions on abortion funding and voted in favor of prohibiting certain late-term procedures; has opposed legislative proposals to expand post-viability abortion access. Positions indicate support for some access with limits and restrictions.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate describes himself as a gun owner and long-time member of the NRA and Sportsmen’s Alliance, states strong support for the Second Amendment and Maine’s sporting/hunting traditions, and emphasizes advocacy for law‑abiding gun owners. He has earned high ratings/endorsements from the NRA and Sportsmen’s Alliance of Maine.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 23, 2026
Rick Bennett is in the news because he is running as an independent in Maine’s governor’s race, where he will face Democrat Hannah Pingree and Republican Bobby Charles in the general election. Recent coverage says Pingree is leading the race by a wide margin in polls and fundraising, and analysts have shifted Maine toward the Democrats. One opinion piece suggested Bennett could still matter by splitting the anti-Republican vote, but it did not report any new results or developments about his own campaign.
bennettforgovernor.com+52
Articles
PPPortland Press Herald1 month ago
2 Maine legislative races proceed to ranked-choice runoffs, 3 to be recounted
Neutral
NNJ.com15 days ago
There's a major shift toward Democrats in 4 of 5 governor races: Cook Political Report
Negative
PPPortland Press Herald1 month ago
Rick Bennett could defeat Bobby Charles. He could also make Charles governor. | Steve Collins
Neutral
PPPortland Press Herald5 days ago
Hannah Pingree dominates fundraising in Maine governor’s race
Neutral
Polls
Maine Governor winner?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
Maine Republican Governor nominee?
Endorsers of Rick Bennett for Maine Republican Governor nominee?
Maine state lawmakers
Elected official
A group of Maine state lawmakers endorsed Rick Bennett for governor.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising