Prediction Edge
Republican
Robert Charles

Overview

Current roleAttorney

PartyRepublican

Political ideologyConservative Republican

Age65 years old (Aug 23, 1960)

GenderMale

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LocationMaine

BackgroundAttorney

EducationDartmouth College (B.A.)

Notable personal detailsRobert Bruce “Bobby” Charles is an American attorney and Republican political figure who served as Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs from 2003 to 2005 in the George W. Bush administration. He is the president and managing member of The Charles Group, LLC, a Washington, D.C.-area consulting firm. He was raised in Wayne, Maine and has been a candidate for Governor of Maine in the 2026 election cycle.

SourcesShow

Positions

LiberalConservative

Economy & Taxes

The candidate advocates major tax cuts and deregulation, including abolishing the state income tax and cutting regulations and fees to spur job growth and economic opportunity. Policy messaging emphasizes reducing tax burdens on businesses, seniors, and working families as central to his economic plan.

Healthcare

The candidate emphasizes strengthening oversight of MaineCare and addressing alleged fraud while supporting increased addiction recovery and mental health services. His campaign platform focuses heavily on tax cuts and government accountability but provides limited specific proposals on health coverage expansion or the Affordable Care Act.

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Immigration & Border

The candidate emphasizes strict enforcement at Maine’s borders, supports close cooperation with federal immigration authorities (ICE), seeks rapid removals of people in the country illegally, and proposes measures to tighten the state’s northern border and accelerate immigration case processing. His public materials link immigration enforcement to combating drug trafficking and public-safety threats.

Abortion & Reproductive Rights

The candidate identifies as pro-life and has pledged to pursue restrictions on abortion, including supporting an abortion ban and opposing taxpayer-funded abortions. He has publicly framed his position as opposing reproductive rights and backing policies to limit access to abortion in Maine.

Climate & Energy

The candidate opposes mandated electric vehicle requirements and characterizes aggressive climate mandates as impractical for Maine; his campaign emphasizes cutting regulations and taxes that he says harm industries and consumers. Policy language favors rolling back regulatory burdens and prioritizing economic and energy choices for Mainers rather than adopting aggressive emissions mandates.

Public Safety & Guns

Opposes red-flag style firearm confiscation measures and emphasizes support for law enforcement and public safety; criticizes new fees on concealed-carry permits and frames policy toward strengthening police and reducing crime rather than expanding gun restrictions.

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.

history.state.gov+37

Polls

Maine Republican Governor nominee?
Polling Average
50%40%30%20%10%0%
38.6%
23%
17.2%
10.4%
9.0%
Robert Charles
R. Charles
Shawn Moody
S. Moody
Jonathan Bush
J. Bush
G. Mason
Ben Midgley
B. Midgley
David Jones
D. Jones
Owen McCarthy
O. McCarthy
Robert Wessels
R. Wessels
James Libby
J. Libby
Date (Start - End)SpreadCharlesMoodyBushMasonMidgleyJonesMcCarthyWesselsLibby
Polling Average
Charles+15.6
38.6%23.0%17.2%10.4%9.0%4.2%4.2%3.2%1.0%
SurveyUSAMay 28 - Jun 3
Charles+17.0
34.0%17.0%10.0%10.0%2.0%7.0%2.0%0.0%
SurveyUSAMay 28 - Jun 3
Charles+19.0
42.0%23.0%13.0%13.0%9.0%
SurveyUSAMay 28 - Jun 3
Charles+18.0
44.0%26.0%14.0%16.0%
SurveyUSAMay 28 - Jun 3
Charles+20.0
51.0%31.0%18.0%
University of New Hampshire Survey CenterMay 21 - 25
Charles+19.0
37.0%18.0%9.0%11.0%7.0%2.0%6.0%
Pan Atlantic ResearchMay 8 - 18
Charles+16.0
36.0%20.0%13.0%2.0%3.0%4.0%1.0%
McLaughlin & AssociatesApr 28 - 30
Charles+36.0
47.0%11.0%11.0%5.0%
University of New Hampshire Survey CenterFeb 12 - 16
Charles+16.0
28.0%5.0%12.0%6.0%7.0%1.0%4.0%2.0%
McLaughlin & AssociatesAug 23 - 25
Charles+5.0
28.0%23.0%4.0%1.0%0.3%2.0%2.0%3.0%1.0%

Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne

New updates coming soon

We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.

  • Endorsements
  • Fundraising