The Gist
Governor

Rick Bennett

Candidate for Governor

Independent

Background

Occupation
State senator
Lives in
Oxford

A state senator from Oxford, he served in the Maine House (1990–1994) and the Maine Senate (1996–2004 and since 2020), including as Senate President (2001–2002). He formerly led the Maine Republican Party and is running for governor as an independent.

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Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Proposes applying the Property Tax Fairness Credit directly to bills.

    Also proposes expanded relief for older Mainers and income-sensitive protections for year-round residents, with municipalities fully reimbursed.

    Your Vote 2026 profile: Rick Bennett, independent for governor

    Candidate questionnaire · Maine Public · Sep 22, 2026 · mainepublic.org

    “I will apply the Property Tax Fairness Credit directly to tax bills instead of making families wait for a refund”
    Report

  • Opposes suspending the state gas tax this winter.

    Responding to Bobby Charles's September 2026 proposal, he said the tax pays for roads and has not been raised since 2011.

    GOP governor nominee Bobby Charles proposes using Rainy Day Fund for heating costs

    News coverage · Maine Public · Sep 28, 2026 · mainepublic.org

    “suspending it just means the bill comes back bigger in the spring”
    Report

Housing

Economy & jobs

  • Proposes expanded workforce training and apprenticeships, including AI retraining.

    Your Vote 2026 profile: Rick Bennett, independent for governor

    Candidate questionnaire · Maine Public · Sep 22, 2026 · mainepublic.org

    “expand workforce training and apprenticeships, invest in innovation, and prepare Maine for AI by retraining workers”
    Report

Environment & parks

  • Supports creating a Maine Generation Authority for renewable power.

    Your Vote 2026 profile: Rick Bennett, independent for governor

    Candidate questionnaire · Maine Public · Sep 22, 2026 · mainepublic.org

    “support a Maine Generation Authority so more of the value from Maine-made renewable energy stays here and lowers bills for Maine ratepayers”
    Report

Health & human services

Government & transparency

  • Supports requiring photo ID to vote.

    Answered "Yes" in the lightning round of his Maine Public questionnaire.

    Your Vote 2026 profile: Rick Bennett, independent for governor

    Candidate questionnaire · Maine Public · Sep 22, 2026 · Lightning round: answered Yes · mainepublic.org

    “Should it be necessary to provide a photo ID in order to vote?”
    Report

Other issues in this race

Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Rick Bennett on them.

  • Public safetyNo documented position found.
  • EducationNo documented position found.
  • Roads & infrastructureNo documented position found.

All sources (19)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.