Former assistant Secretary of State Bobby Charles holds a commanding lead in the Maine Republican gubernatorial primary, according to an internal poll.
In a first choice ballot, Charles captured the support of 47% of likely voters, compared to his nearest challenge, Jonathan Bush, who received 11% support, in a McLaughlin & Associates poll. “Garrett Mason tied for second with 11% while Ben Midgley placed fourth with 10%. All other candidates received single-digit backing.”
Maine – GOP Primary – April 2026 – Executive Summary (1).pdf
When voters were asked to factor their second choice, Charles earned an outright majority of 54%, with Bush still placing second with 19%. Mason and Midgley both earned 18%.
President Donald Trump has not issued an endorsement in the race, though 58% of respondents said they would back Charles if the president supported him.
The winner of the primary will face an as-yet-undetermined candidate, since Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, is term-limited.
Maine has generally leaned left in recent decades, though the Senate contest and at least one congressional race are expected to be competitive in 2026. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, is fighting for reelection against presumptive Democratic nominee Graham Platner, while former Gov. Paul LePage, R-Maine, is seeking a House seat.
The McLaughlin survey did not poll a general election match up.
Conducted April 28-30, the survey questioned 300 likely voters in Maine and has a margin of error of +/- 5.7%.
Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.
Reprinted with permission from Just The News by Ben Whedon.
The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of AMAC or AMAC Action.
I’m pretty sure he will win the primary, the question is will Maine choose to elect a governor that can save their state. Same with California.
Great poll results! Keep going, Bobby.
This is very encouraging news – Robert B. Charles has the qualities that make for a Governor who will lead the state of Maine on the right course . One example is the great work he accomplishes by writing the articles that are presented in AMAC . A Governor who has an appreciation of history as Bobby Charles has will be someone who can see what needs to be done politically and why. No matter what field of endeavor being knowledgeable of the history helps to have a clear, intelligent understanding of how the parts fit together that will enable things to operate properly.. The experience Mr. Charles would bring to the office of Governor of Maine would be substantial – what the Pine Tree State needs.
Citizens of Maine, if you love your state and your country you better vote for Charles.
Just now I came upon a G. Orwell quotation , People who vote in corrupted, lying, thieving, double faced crooked politicians are not victims but culprits.
I hope he wins, it’s time to kick the dimms & all their violence out of the country,along with the illegals.
Go get them Mr. Charles. I believe you will make a great governor providing you are not stopped by a democratic legislature to weed out the corruption of your state.
Now it will be up to Mainers, to find the way out of the hole or to sink even lower Now is their chance to right the wreck that was created with their vote.
Get it done, Bobby Charles!
GO GOP IN MAINE!
Keep up the good work Charles. Maine needs you.
Great for Mr. Charles. I truly hope he wins the governor’s race — Maine residents need him.
GO BOBBY, praying for your victory in Maine!
Have hope we will have good reason to call RBC Maine’s Governor. Polls like these are encouraging. I may not be a Maine citizen, but through this site, I have enjoyed Mr. Charles articles, and glimpse his character.
If President Trump would read AMAC he would know to support Charles! But he doesn’t have time to read everything after all!
Congrats Bobby, and you also, Maine voters. Now, how about your US senator??
Isn”t Main where Liberals go to Die ?