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Maine voters went to the polls this week and delivered several significant changes across federal and state government. Democrats expanded their majorities in the Maine Legislature, elected a new governor, and unseated a longtime incumbent U.S. senator. On Thursday, the Secretary of State announced that neither candidate received 50% of the vote in Congressional District 2, however, Democrat Matt Dunlap conceded the race, making way for former Governor Paul LePage to become the next congressman.
In Augusta, Democrats strengthened their legislative majorities in both chambers. In the Maine House of Representatives, Democrats officially flipped twelve Republican or Independently held seats, while Republicans flipped one Democratic seat. With all the State House races now called, Democrats are expected to gain twelve seats, giving them 87 seats in the 151-member House.
In the Maine Senate, Democrats flipped four Republican-held seats, expanding their majority to 24 of the chamber’s 35 seats. With a two-thirds majority, also known as a “supermajority,” Senate Democrats will have significant influence over committee assignments, legislative and budget priorities, and policymaking in the upcoming session.
Former Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree was elected Maine’s next governor. Pingree will succeed Governor Janet Mills, who is term limited after serving two consecutive terms, and will be sworn into office on January 6.
Maine voters also elected a new member of the U.S. Senate. Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson defeated incumbent Senator Susan Collins and will take office when the 120th Congress convenes on January 3, 2027. The result ends Collins’ decades-long service in the Senate.
In Maine’s 1st Congressional District, Representative Chellie Pingree won reelection to a ninth term in Congress. By the end of her next term, she will have served nearly two decades in the U.S. House of Representatives.
To view updates on election results in Maine, click here to view the League’s Election Hub.
This election cycle, America’s Credit Unions supported 384 candidates and is proud to report that 93% of those candidates won their races. For election results across the country impacting credit unions, visit America’s Credit Unions Election Hub.
Credit Union Impact
- At the federal level, Senator Susan Collins has long been a strong advocate for credit unions and their members. The League appreciates her decades of partnership and looks forward to building a productive relationship with Senator-elect Troy Jackson as he prepares to represent Maine in Washington.
- At the state level, Chad Perkins, a board member at Maine Highlands FCU, won election in Senate District 4, while Ken Fredette, a board member at Sebasticook Valley FCU, won election in House District 33.
- In addition, Senator Donna Bailey won reelection in Senate District 31. Bailey currently serves as chair of the Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee, which routinely oversees legislation affecting Maine’s credit unions and financial cooperatives.
As newly elected officials prepare to take office, the League’s Governmental Affairs team remains committed to building and maintaining strong relationships with policymakers from both parties at all levels of government. While the League does not endorse candidates for elected office, we look forward to working with the new Legislature, Maine’s congressional delegation, and the incoming administration to advance issues important to Maine’s credit unions and the members they serve.