Ep. 146 Maine Governor 2026: Republican Paths to Victory with Aaron Chadbourne
Sat Feb 07 2026
Host Chuck Ellis sits down with former senior policy advisor to Gov. Paul LePage, Aaron Chadbourne, for a no-holds-barred look at the 2026 Maine gubernatorial election.
With Janet Mills term-limited after nearly eight years of Democratic control in Augusta, Republicans are fired up with one of the largest, most qualified fields in recent memory. Aaron and Chuck map out the "lanes" shaping the GOP primary: the populist/grassroots energy (Bobby Charles leading the pack on red-meat issues like fraud and immigration), business outsider/entrepreneurs (Jonathan Bush's name ID and fundraising muscle, Ben Midgley's rags-to-riches story, Owen McCarthy's rural ties and tech innovation), David Jones straddling the business entrepreneur lane and the populist MAGA lane, government insiders ready to govern Day 1 (Garrett Mason's organizational edge and experience, Jim Libby's education focus), and hardworking long-shots like Robert Wessels.
They discuss real paths to victory: simplifying messages, owning issues (housing, affordability, education), building statewide electability beyond the base, appealing to independents/unenrolled voters (Maine's biggest bloc), navigating the Trump ceiling in a midterm, and surviving the ad flood from the high-stakes Susan Collins Senate race. Ranked-choice voting risks, momentum killers, and why authenticity + money matter are all on the table.
We also touch on the Democratic side (Hannah Pingree's establishment ties, Nirav Shah's COVID-era name recognition, Shenna Bellows' anti-Trump lane, Troy Jackson's socialist appeal) and independents like Rick Bennett carving a moderate path.
This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants Republicans back in the Blaine House—frustration is high, opportunity is real, but the road won't be easy. Tune in for candid analysis from someone who's been in the room.
Subscribe for more Maine-focused breakdowns. Drop your thoughts: Who's your GOP pick? Like/share if you're ready for change in Augusta!
Follow Muddy Waters on X: @MuddyWatersME
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Host Chuck Ellis sits down with former senior policy advisor to Gov. Paul LePage, Aaron Chadbourne, for a no-holds-barred look at the 2026 Maine gubernatorial election. With Janet Mills term-limited after nearly eight years of Democratic control in Augusta, Republicans are fired up with one of the largest, most qualified fields in recent memory. Aaron and Chuck map out the "lanes" shaping the GOP primary: the populist/grassroots energy (Bobby Charles leading the pack on red-meat issues like fraud and immigration), business outsider/entrepreneurs (Jonathan Bush's name ID and fundraising muscle, Ben Midgley's rags-to-riches story, Owen McCarthy's rural ties and tech innovation), David Jones straddling the business entrepreneur lane and the populist MAGA lane, government insiders ready to govern Day 1 (Garrett Mason's organizational edge and experience, Jim Libby's education focus), and hardworking long-shots like Robert Wessels. They discuss real paths to victory: simplifying messages, owning issues (housing, affordability, education), building statewide electability beyond the base, appealing to independents/unenrolled voters (Maine's biggest bloc), navigating the Trump ceiling in a midterm, and surviving the ad flood from the high-stakes Susan Collins Senate race. Ranked-choice voting risks, momentum killers, and why authenticity + money matter are all on the table. We also touch on the Democratic side (Hannah Pingree's establishment ties, Nirav Shah's COVID-era name recognition, Shenna Bellows' anti-Trump lane, Troy Jackson's socialist appeal) and independents like Rick Bennett carving a moderate path. This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants Republicans back in the Blaine House—frustration is high, opportunity is real, but the road won't be easy. Tune in for candid analysis from someone who's been in the room. Subscribe for more Maine-focused breakdowns. Drop your thoughts: Who's your GOP pick? Like/share if you're ready for change in Augusta! Follow Muddy Waters on X: @MuddyWatersME