Maine 1st District
Chellie Pingree (D) holds this seat and is running again. 2 candidates were on the ballot on November 3, 2026.
Who should win this race, and why?Say what you think. Other readers can answer you.Discuss
Chellie Pingree
Democrat · holds this seat today
FLiberty Score FOn the liberty side in 32 of 118 votes and bills.
Raised $551,078 since January 2025: 56% from PACs and other committees, 42% from people, 2% transfers and other income. The filing at FEC.gov
Ronald Russell
Republican · retired Army colonel and Green Beret, defense contractor
ALiberty Score A100 out of 100 across 4 principles. Graded on what Russell has said and done, because I have no votes in Congress to count for Russell.
Raised $214,096 since January 2025: 64% from people, 31% the candidate’s own money, 4% from PACs and other committees. The filing at FEC.gov
Higher on Liberty Score: Ronald Russell. Ronald Russell: A, 100 out of 100 from words and actions, with no votes in Congress to count. Chellie Pingree: F, 26 out of 100 from recorded votes.
Voting in Maine: how to register, vote early or vote by mail. Election Day was November 3.
Side by side
A solid letter is a grade from recorded votes on that principle. An outlined letter is on the same scale, for a candidate with no votes: it comes from what that candidate has said and done, and every source is listed below.
Ronald Russell, on the record
I have no votes in Congress to count for Russell, so the grade above comes from this list: what Russell has said and done on my principles. Each line has its source, and each is marked with the same test I use for votes.
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Asked about a formal declaration of war on the Islamic Republic, he said Congress would not limit the war and it should continue until its objectives are met.
“The war should continue until the objectives outlined in this hypothetical declaration are achieved.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Backing continued American action against the regime in Iran with no limits is on the with side of the Iran regime measure.
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Asked about Ukraine, he said he does not support indefinite aid but supports aid tied to vetted requirements and oversight.
“I do not support indefinite support and financial aid to Ukraine.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
Opposing only indefinite aid while backing conditioned aid does not settle the free nations test.
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Asked in a questionnaire whether he supports direct US military intervention if China blockades or invades Taiwan, he answered yes.
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Backing US military action to defend Taiwan against Beijing follows the rule that backs Taiwan against China.
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His campaign site says he wants the tax relief in the 2025 budget law made permanent.
“we need to protect the temporary tax relief gains made by passage of the big beautiful bill and make them permanent.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
A named tax cut made permanent is with liberty on free markets.
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His campaign site says he wants a comprehensive approach to reducing regulation.
“we must take a comprehensive approach to reducing regulation, and ensuring what we're doing makes good common sense, but doesn't unnecessarily burden business.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Less regulation is with liberty on free markets.
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His campaign site says the border must be secured to stem illegal immigration.
“we must prioritize securing our border to stem the illegal flow of unsustainable numbers of immigrants.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Securing the border is with liberty on borders.
Who is on the ballot: the state election offices, as listed on Wikipedia on November 3, 2026, checked against the candidate file of the Federal Election Commission. See a name that is wrong or missing? Say so in the discussion.
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Maine 1st District
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