Pingree holds double-digit lead as voters back public option for health insurance

October 7, 2026 - 00:50

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Hannah Pingree continues to hold a double-digit advantage over Republican Bobby Charles, according to a new poll released Tuesday. The survey, conducted by the Maine People's Resource Center and released by the Maine People's Alliance, shows Pingree leading Charles by a comfortable margin among likely Maine voters.

Perhaps more notable is the reception to one of Pingree's key campaign proposals. A public option for health insurance draws even stronger support from respondents than the candidate herself, suggesting the idea resonates broadly across the state's electorate.

The poll offers a snapshot of a race where health care remains a central issue. Pingree has made expanding access to affordable coverage a cornerstone of her platform, and the data indicates voters are receptive to that message. Charles, meanwhile, has yet to close the gap, leaving him with significant ground to make up as the campaign moves forward.

The findings underscore how health care policy continues to shape political contests in Maine, with voters signaling clear preferences on the direction they want the state to take.