Five Democrats vying for Maine governor face off in debate

PORTLAND, Maine (WABI) -Mainers will head to the polls in June to choose party nominees for governor.

Five Democratic candidates hoping to succeed Gov. Janet Mills met Thursday night for a debate hosted by WABI’s media partner WMTW and moderated by Terry Stackhouse.

The candidates—former Maine CDC Director and former U.S. CDC Principal Deputy Director Dr. Nirav Shah, businessman Angus King III, former State Senate President Troy Jackson, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and former Maine House Speaker and Office of Policy Innovation director Hannah Pingree—said they agree on many major issues, including lowering housing and energy costs and improving access to affordable health care.

Pingree highlighted a key disagreement with King on tribal sovereignty, saying she would make it a priority early in her administration.

The candidates were also asked what they would do differently from Gov. Mills.

Several criticized Mills’ decision not to sign a data center moratorium bill.

Bellows said she is deeply concerned about DHHS and child safety statewide.

Shah said he would have signed legislation limiting Maine’s cooperation with ICE.

On education, Jackson argued the state’s plan to raise the minimum teacher salary to $50,000 by fall 2029 doesn’t go far enough, saying it’s taking too long to meet the goal.

Candidates voiced support for universal health care, with Shah pointing to recent closures of labor and delivery units as a concern for families—and for Maine’s economy—especially in rural communities.

Housing was another major focus.

Candidates discussed private equity’s role in housing, homelessness among veterans, and streamlining the building process.

Bellows pointed to past bipartisan work on housing for homeless veterans at Togus, while King called for cutting red tape and simplifying zoning and building codes to boost construction and reduce costs.

Gov. Mills previously sought the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, but announced Thursday she is suspending her campaign.