Maine Republican Governor nominee?
$151.8K
JUN 10, 2026
Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer State Senator
Political ideologyCentrist Independent
Age63 years old (May 24, 1963)
GenderMale
LocationMaine
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BackgroundBusinessman
EducationHarvard University (BA)
Notable personal detailsRichard A. Bennett is an American businessman and Maine politician who serves in the Maine Senate representing District 18 (Oxford) as an independent. He previously served in the Maine House of Representatives and Maine Senate, including as President of the Maine Senate (2001–2002), and later chaired the Maine Republican Party (2013–2017). In 2025 he left the Republican Party and launched an independent campaign for Governor of Maine in the 2026 election cycle.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
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
Rick Bennett is in the news because the final result of Maine’s Republican governor primary may be delayed by ranked-choice tabulation. Election officials said the count could take up to two weeks if no candidate wins outright. Final results are expected by June 19 if ranked-choice counting is needed.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising