Whether it’s Pingree, Bellows, King, or Shah…they’ve all failed Mainers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2026
CONTACT: press@bobbyformaine.com
“For years, the same political insiders in Augusta have failed the people of Maine, and Janet Mills’ endorsement of Hannah Pingree proves they want more of the exact same,” said Bobby Charles, Republican candidate for Governor. “Hannah Pingree is Janet Mills’ handpicked successor, and Mainers simply cannot afford four more years of her failed policies.”
Charles said whether Democrats nominate Hannah Pingree, Shenna Bellows, Angus King-backed candidates, or another establishment insider, the result would be continued decline for Maine families.
“These are the same people who shut down churches, punished veterans and workers who stood up for vaccine freedom, crushed small businesses during COVID, and drove up the cost of living for working families across Maine,” Charles said. “Mainers are paying more for housing, more for groceries, more for electricity, more for heating oil, and more in taxes while Augusta politicians lecture them and deny reality.”
Charles pointed directly to Pingree’s role in the Mills Administration’s economic policies.
“Hannah Pingree helped oversee Janet Mills’ economic agenda, and the results have been disastrous,” Charles said. “Rents have exploded, affordable housing is disappearing, property taxes are surging, and young families are wondering if they can even afford to stay in Maine anymore.”
Charles also criticized what he called a culture of corruption and insider politics in Augusta.
“Mainers are sick and tired of the no-bid contracts, the insider deals, the wasteful spending, and the corrupt nonsense coming out of Augusta,” Charles said. “While Maine families struggled to get by, these politicians handed taxpayer money to special interests and illegal immigrant programs instead of putting Maine citizens first.”
Charles contrasted his campaign with the Democrat field and emphasized his own priorities.
“I’m running for Governor to cut crime, cut taxes, secure our communities, support law enforcement, and restore honesty and common sense to Maine government,” Charles said. “This campaign is about the people of Maine, not the political class.”
“The Democrats can spend millions attacking me,” Charles added. “But no amount of Democrat money changes the fact that Mainers know things are headed in the wrong direction. Mainers want reform. Mainers want accountability. And Mainers want Augusta cleaned up.”
Charles closed by calling for unity heading into both the Republican primary and general election.
“I need the support of Maine people right now in this primary,” Charles said. “And then together, Republicans, independents, and common-sense Democrats are going to reform Augusta and take our state back in November.”
Paid for and authorized by Bobby Charles for Governor.
