Pingree Claims to Have Improved Affordability, But Personal Income & State GDP are Worst in NE

AUGUSTA, ME — Today the Bobby Charles for Governor campaign is launching an ongoing Pingree Accountability Project, to compare the cheap and dishonest rhetoric from Democratic nominee for Governor Hannah Pingree and her actual record failing Mainers. Accountability Project issue #1: Affordability.

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Among Pingree’s laughably curated “accomplishments,” she lists “Working to Make Maine More Affordable”.

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Here’s her actual record:
Thanks to Pingree’s leadership Maine’s residential electricity ratepayers are suffering under the financial weight of some of the nation’s highest and fastest rising home electricity rates.

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Government spending and the tax revenue needed to support it are at or near all-time highs. Since 2000, the five largest increases in Maine’s Individual Income Taxes (MIIT) collected as part of the state budget have occurred. In 2022 alone, the MIIT taken from citizens grew by more than $500 million.
A large part of affordability is individual income. In 2025, Maine’s per capita income reached $71,662, the lowest in New England and 27th in the U.S. The growth in this number lagged behind inflation.

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In addition to the 32 new and increased taxes and fees created by state government since 2019, Maine’s economy has faltered. Through 2025, Maine’s GDP growth was last in New England and 47th in the U.S. In 2019.

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“Over and over, Hannah Pingree has failed at basic management,” said Charles. “With Governor Mills, she literally ruined the lives of thousands of Mainers, has driven Mainers and Maine businesses to the brink, created an affordability crisis in housing, energy, health care, failing schools, high taxes, and paid no attention to public safety. The reason Mainers are leaving Maine, struggling to stay in their houses and pay rent, ties back the policies of Pingree-Mills. This has to stop. Hannah Pingree’s total lack of appreciation for everyday Mainers, their struggles, her lack of management experience and bad policies have damaged to Maine is a major, measurable way. The damage must be reversed.”

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For more information about Bobby Charles and his plan to get Maine back on track, visit BobbyForMaine.com.