Who's In the Race

Maine's 1st Congressional District seat is open for 2026, with Democratic incumbent Chellie Pingree (D-ME) set to face off against Republican challenger Ronald Russell on Nov. 3. ​

Pingree, first elected in 2008, is seeking another term representing Maine's 1st District. Before Congress, she served four terms in the Maine Senate, including as majority leader from 1996 to 2000, and is an organic farmer and small-business owner. Russell is a West Point graduate and Army veteran who served 30 years as an Airborne Ranger and Special Forces-qualified Green Beret before co-founding a small business that grew to more than 150 employees.

What They Stand For

Pingree has said she is working to build "an economy and health care system that works for everyday Mainers — not powerful corporations," according to her campaign website. She has supported lowering prescription drug costs and protecting access to affordable health care, and has supported reproductive freedom. She has supported strengthening Social Security and Medicare, and has proposed tackling climate change through clean-energy jobs, both per her campaign website.

Russell has pledged his support for first-responders and crime enforcement, as well as for school reform policies. He has also opposed Medicare for All and favored commercializing medicine. On immigration, Russell has stated his support for "securing our border to stem the illegal flow of unsustainable numbers of immigrants."

The Money Behind the Race

Federal Election Commission filings show Pingree raised about $430,000 through June 30 and had about $423,000 in the bank. Russell, meanwhile, raised about $76,000 through June 30 and had about $20,000 cash on hand. He carried about $4,537 in debt.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report rated the race "Solid Democratic" as of Sept. 25, Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it "Solid Democratic" as of Sept. 29, and Inside Elections rated it "Solid Democratic" as of Oct. 2.

Kalshi traders gave Democrats a 96.74% chance of winning as of Oct. 8, with Republicans at 3.26%.

Pingree carried the district with about 61% of the vote in 2022 and about 57% in 2024. Democrats won one of Maine's two U.S. House seats in 2022 and both seats in 2024. In the 2024 presidential race, Kamala Harris carried Maine with about 52% of the vote.

---

AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article