Polling Average
60%50%40%30%20%10%0%
7.7%
49.3%
36.3%
Republican
Rick Bennett
Republican candidate for Governor in Maine
$55.3K
NOV 7, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Live Odds
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
Rick Bennett is trading at 1% to win the Maine Governor winner? on prediction markets.
Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleState Senator
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyCentrist Independent
GenderMale
LocationMaine
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BackgroundBusiness executive
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.comivn.usspectrumlocalnews.comwmtw.comyoutube.comfacebook.comwikidata.orgballotready.orgdailypress.senate.govvotesmart.orgjustfacts.votesmart.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgstatic.votesmart.orgfec.govgovinfo.gov
Political 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.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedSep 2, 2026
Rick Bennett is in the Maine governor’s race as an independent candidate, and recent coverage says he could play a spoiler role by splitting the anti-Republican vote. The race is still fluid, but newer reports show Democrat Hannah Pingree leading fundraising and polling, with prediction markets and analysts increasingly favoring a Democratic win. Earlier coverage also noted that Bennett remains part of the general-election field after the primaries were settled.
bennettforgovernor.com+42
Articles
PPPortland Press Herald3 months ago
2 Maine legislative races proceed to ranked-choice runoffs, 3 to be recounted
Neutral
NNJ.com2 months ago
There's a major shift toward Democrats in 4 of 5 governor races: Cook Political Report
Negative
PPPortland Press Herald3 months ago
Rick Bennett could defeat Bobby Charles. He could also make Charles governor. | Steve Collins
Neutral
PPPortland Press Herald2 months ago
Hannah Pingree dominates fundraising in Maine governor’s race
Neutral
Latest Polls
Maine Governor winner?
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Rick Bennett currently averages 7.7%, ranking third in this race, 28.7 points behind the next candidate.
Polling average: 7.7%Position: thirdMargin: -28.7 ptsLatest poll: 9.0% (Aug 6 - 10)Polls included: 3
Average recalculated from polls through Aug 6 - 10.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising