Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
32.6%
23%
12.8%
9%
5.9%
Republican
Robert Wessels
Maine Republican Governor nominee?
$168.1K
JUN 10, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleBusiness leader
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
LocationMaine
BackgroundBusiness leader
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EducationB.A., Moody Bible Institute
Notable personal detailsRobert J. Wessels is a Republican candidate for Governor of Maine and a former member of the Town of Paris selectboard. He has worked in business and management roles and has described early work experience at Walmart and as a postal substitute. He earned a B.A. from Moody Bible Institute and an M.B.A. from the University of Arizona. He lives in Paris, Maine, and is married with three children.
SourcesShowHide
mainepublic.orgrobertwesselsforgovernor.combrunswickme.goven.wikipedia.orgvoterobertwessels.commaine.govapps.npr.orgmainemorningstar.comwmtw.combangordailynews.combarharbormaine.govbangormaine.govlegislature.maine.govdata.ddhq.iomidmainechamber.compressherald.comthemainewire.comnewsfromthestates.comccrcme.comsunjournal.comkwconsultinganddesign.comreference.orgeverything.explained.todaymainehealth.orghealthcareforallmaine.orgroberthalf.comweareequis.usdemocraticgovernors.orglinkedin.commainebeacon.comthemainemonitor.orgspectrumlocalnews.comwwnytv.comballotpedia.orgfairvote.orgmaineaudubon.orgfacebook.comballotready.orghistory.house.govnga.orgfec.govdocquery.fec.govcongress.govgovinfo.govvotesmart.orgapi.votesmart.orgstatic.votesmart.org
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports cutting taxes and controlling government spending, favors shrinking government and growing the economy without raising taxes. Advocates spending reductions and limiting government intervention in areas like energy policy and education funding.
Healthcare
Supports medical freedom and limited government role in health policy while prioritizing improving hospital competitiveness and access to local care and mental-health supports. Emphasizes cutting spending and restoring individual choice in health decisions. Opposes government mandates tied to COVID-era policies such as removal of vaccine exemptions.
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Immigration & Border
Supports stronger enforcement and opposes sanctuary policies at the state level; would not allow state funds to flow to sanctuary cities and has voiced support for ICE operations in Maine while proposing the end of programs such as the Office of New Americans.
Climate & Energy
Supports energy independence through expanded hydropower and small modular nuclear reactors, prioritizes lower energy costs for businesses, and favors deregulation over new climate regulations. Emphasizes economic and business-focused approaches to energy rather than aggressive emissions targets or Green New Deal–style policies.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate identifies as a staunch supporter of Second Amendment rights and opposes measures such as red flag laws and broad bans that target law-abiding gun owners while calling for focusing on enforcement of existing laws and community safety.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Robert Wessels is running in Maine’s crowded Republican governor primary, and he has been campaigning alongside the other candidates at party events and debates ahead of the June 9 vote. He was among the candidates who appeared at the state GOP convention to make their case to delegates. Election officials have also said final results in the race could be delayed by ranked-choice tabulation if the contest is close.
mainepublic.org+46
Articles
BDBangor Daily News3 months ago
How to watch Maine's GOP gubernatorial debate tonight
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BDBangor Daily News3 months ago
Maine GOP projects unity around crowded gubernatorial field at convention
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PPPortland Press Herald2 months ago
It could take days to know the winners of Maine’s primaries. Here’s why.
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Polls
Maine Republican Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
Maine Republican Governor nominee?
Endorsers of Robert Wessels for Maine Republican Governor nominee?
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising