For our second gubernatorial interview since the conclusion of the 2026 Maine primaries, independent nominee Rick Bennett joined Maine Policy Institute on the Pine Tree Pulse Podcast to discuss a myriad of topics surrounding the Maine governor’s race.
Bennett is a familiar name to those who have followed Maine politics for years. He has been a member of the State Legislature on two occasions, the first of which saw him become Senate President in a unique power-sharing agreement with then-State Senator Mike Michaud in 2001.
After some time in the private sector, Bennett returned to politics in 2012, running for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Olympia Snowe. He was later elected chairman of the Maine Republican Party, a position he would hold until 2017.
In 2020, Bennett was again elected to the Maine Senate, and has been serving his second stint in the Legislature ever since.
In June 2025, after a lengthy political career as a Republican, Bennett announced that he would join the 2026 gubernatorial race as an independent.
Our discussion focused on the governor’s race, his opponents Bobby Charles and Hannah Pingree, the issues facing Maine and his policy prescriptions to resolve those issues, and much more.
Maine Policy Institute does not endorse candidates or involve itself in political campaigns. We are bringing you conversations like this so you may better understand the priorities of individuals who seek powerful positions in Maine’s government.
