Polling Average
10%8%6%4%2%0%
7%
Republican
Rick Bennett
Republican
Rick Bennett
Maine Republican Governor nominee?
$160.4K
JUN 10, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Senator
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyCentrist Independent
Age63 years old (May 24, 1963)
GenderMale
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LocationMaine
BackgroundState senator
EducationHarvard University — B.A., Government (1986)
Notable personal detailsRichard A. "Rick" Bennett is an American politician from Oxford County, Maine. He has served in the Maine Legislature in both the House (1990–1994) and Senate (1996–2004; returned in 2020), and previously served as President of the Maine Senate. He later chaired the Maine Republican Party (2013–2017) and in 2026 filed to run for Governor of Maine as an unenrolled (independent) candidate.
SourcesShowHide
justfacts.votesmart.orgmainecampaignfinancedisclosure.comen.wikipedia.orglegislature.maine.govmesenategop.comhistory.house.govp2016.orgbennet.senate.govwww11.maine.govmultistate.usmainedems.orgsenate.govgovinfo.govmainestudentsvote.orgmainemorningstar.comlldc.mainelegislature.orgreddit.combennettforgovernor.comthemainewire.comsunjournal.comrickbennett.orgmainepublic.orgmainelegislature.orgpressherald.combangordailynews.comwabi.tvmainehousegop.orgnewscentermaine.comforwardparty.comivn.usseacoastonline.comspectrumlocalnews.comwmtw.compolitico.comnewsbreak.comyoutube.comfacebook.comfec.govcollins.senate.govnga.orgradiotv.house.govmcclain.house.govrepublican.senate.govdeveloper.ballotpedia.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgballotready.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 updatedJan 12, 2026
Bangor state Sen. Joe Baldacci joins crowded Democratic primary for Maine's 2nd Congressional District, aiming to challenge Republican favorite Paul LePage.
justfacts.votesmart.org+45
Polls
Maine Governor winner?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising