Maine Democratic Senate nominee on Jul 31, 2026?
$4.2M
JUL 31, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer State Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age54 years old (Dec 4, 1971)
GenderFemale
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LocationMaine
BackgroundPolitician
EducationGeorge Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs — B.A., International Affairs (1994)
Notable personal detailsSara Isher Gideon is an American politician who served in the Maine House of Representatives (2012–2020) and as Speaker of the Maine House (2016–2020). She was the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine in 2020. She earned a B.A. in international affairs from George Washington University.
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Positions
Economy & Taxes
Sara Gideon has supported tax relief aimed at working families, including lower income taxes for most Mainers and expanded property tax relief. She has also backed measures to make large corporations pay more fairly and has co-sponsored a carbon-tax proposal that would have used the revenue to offset utility bills, while later backing away from a national carbon tax during her Senate campaign.
Healthcare
Sara Gideon supported a Medicare-like public option that would let people buy into Medicare while keeping private insurance available for those who want it. Her healthcare agenda also emphasized lowering prescription drug costs and protecting access to coverage, including the Affordable Care Act.
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Immigration & Border
Sara Gideon’s publicly documented immigration position emphasized humanitarian protection alongside security, including support for protecting safety while not letting fear override reason in the context of Syrian refugees. She also appears in voter-guide coverage as supporting a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, including Dreamers, which points to a reform-oriented but not maximally expansive stance.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Sara Gideon supports abortion access and opposes the Hyde Amendment. She backed a Maine law expanding who can provide abortion care and said public or private insurance should cover abortion, while expressing support for protecting access if Roe is overturned or narrowed.
Climate & Energy
Supports net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and requiring utilities to increase the amount of carbon-free power on the grid. Backed legislation that would tax bulk fossil fuel sales to lower electricity bills, while not committing to a national carbon tax or cap-and-trade market.
Public Safety & Guns
Sara Gideon has supported expanded gun-safety measures, including background checks for all gun sales, red flag legislation, a bump stock ban, and higher age limits to buy firearms. She has also backed limits on high-capacity magazines and other firearm restrictions.
News
Sara Gideon is being mentioned as a possible replacement if Maine Democrats need to choose a new Senate nominee after Graham Platner’s campaign turmoil and possible withdrawal. The party is now set to pick its nominee through a delegate process at its July 25 convention, and leaders want the decision to stay in Maine rather than be shaped by outside figures. The race remains focused on challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins, with Democrats trying to keep the seat competitive.
Maine Democrats vying to replace Platner lash out after fatal ICE shooting
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‘I'm the best person to replace him'
Who Could Replace Graham Platner in Maine Race? Nine Possible Contenders
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262022
2024
2026
LatestCycle 2022
Cycle 2024
Cycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements