2026 Catholic Voter Guide

Maine

Where the candidates stand on the issues Pope Leo XIV has raised, in their own words and votes. Every position links to its source.

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Maine allows registration through Election Day at the polls. In-person absentee voting is available at municipal clerks’ offices before Election Day, and absentee ballots must be returned to your clerk by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Maine uses ranked-choice voting for federal races. Official source ↗

How to use this guide. For each race, open an issue to see what Pope Leo XIV has taught and what each candidate has said or done, side by side. Where a candidate has served in office, we add their recorded votes on the same key bills for everyone in that chamber, linked to the official roll call. We summarize; we do not score or endorse. Candidates are listed alphabetically. Where we could not find a public position, we say so. Click any bracketed source to read it yourself. New to Catholic voting principles? Start with our national guide to Faithful Citizenship.
Maine · 2026

U.S. Senate

Collins seeks a sixth term. Graham Platner won the June 9 Democratic primary but withdrew in July; the party nominated Troy Jackson at a July 25 convention.

Download printable PDF ↓
Susan Collins
Republican · Incumbent
U.S. senator since 1997; chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Campaign website ↗
Troy Jackson
Democrat · Challenger
Former Maine Senate president (2018–2024) and fifth-generation logger from Allagash.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Susan Collins
Voted against several Iran war powers resolutions in March 2026, then, after the 60-day War Powers Act mark, voted for resolutions to end hostilities absent congressional authorization, saying presidential war authority “is not without limits.”
[1] FactCheck.org: Democratic ad attacks Collins on health care, Iran war (May 2026)[2] Bangor Daily News: Collins pushes back on Iran war votes (May 2026)
Voting record
Troy Jackson
Calls the war in Gaza a genocide and would end U.S. military funding for Israel. Opposes the 2026 Iran war, blaming it for rising fuel costs, and has criticized Collins’ “refusal to stand up to Donald Trump on the Iran war.”
[1] Jackson campaign: Priorities[2] JNS: Jackson on Israel and Gaza (July 2026)[3] Jackson campaign: Collins and the Iran war
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Susan Collins
Voted with a 99–1 majority in July 2025 to strip a proposed moratorium on state AI regulation from the reconciliation bill.
[1] Senate roll call vote 363, Blackburn amendment (July 1, 2025)
Troy Jackson
Supports the PRO Act to make union organizing easier; as Senate president passed collective-bargaining rights for loggers and haulers. Holds a 100% Maine AFL-CIO score. No stated position on AI.
[1] Jackson campaign: Priorities[2] Jackson campaign: Troy at a Glance
Record in office
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Susan Collins
Voted against final passage of the 2025 reconciliation law (H.R. 1) with its Medicaid and SNAP changes. Opposed tying enhanced ACA subsidies to the 2025 shutdown fight, later proposing a two-year extension with an income cap.
[1] Senate roll call vote 372, H.R. 1 (July 1, 2025)[2] FactCheck.org: Democratic ad attacks Collins on health care, Iran war (May 2026)
Voting record
Troy Jackson
Supports and would co-sponsor the Medicare for All Act; backs expanding the Child Tax Credit and EITC, and lifting the Social Security payroll cap.
[1] Jackson campaign: Priorities[2] The American Prospect: Troy Jackson is looking forward (Aug. 2026)
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Susan Collins
Supports abortion rights; with Sen. Murkowski, introduced legislation in 2022 to codify Roe v. Wade. Supported Justice Kavanaugh’s 2018 confirmation, saying she believed he would uphold Roe.
[1] CBS News: Collins and Murkowski, who support abortion rights, react to Dobbs draft (2022)
Voting record
Troy Jackson
Supports a federal statutory right to abortion; co-sponsored Maine’s 2023 law (LD 1619) expanding abortion access. Opposed abortion early in his legislative career and has said he changed his view.
[1] Jackson campaign: Priorities[2] Jackson campaign: Troy at a Glance[3] Bangor Daily News: Jackson’s evolution on abortion (July 2026)
Record in office
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Susan Collins
No public position found.
Troy Jackson
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Susan Collins
Voted for the Laken Riley Act (2025), requiring detention of immigrants charged with theft and certain crimes. After a fatal ICE shooting in Biddeford in July 2026, urged DHS to “cease all non-urgent vehicle stops.”
[1] Senate roll call vote 7, S. 5 (Jan. 20, 2025)[2] ABC News: Immigration enforcement a flashpoint in Maine Senate race (July 2026)
Voting record
Troy Jackson
Calls for abolishing ICE, calling it “a rogue agency”; supports an immigration system focused on due process and genuine public-safety threats rather than broad raids and deportations.
[1] Jackson campaign: Priorities[2] ABC News: Immigration enforcement a flashpoint in Maine Senate race (July 2026)
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Susan Collins
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Voting record
Troy Jackson
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Susan Collins
Her Senate office says she has “worked to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and spur the creation of clean energy jobs,” while emphasizing high heating costs for Maine households that rely on fuel oil.
[1] Sen. Collins: Energy & Environment
Voting record
Troy Jackson
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Maine · 2026

Governor

Open seat (Gov. Janet Mills term-limited).

Download printable PDF ↓
Rick Bennett
Independent · Open seat
State senator from Oxford County and former Maine Senate president; a longtime Republican running as an independent.
Campaign website ↗
Bobby Charles
Republican · Open seat
Lawyer and former assistant U.S. secretary of state for narcotics and law enforcement; former Naval intelligence officer.
Campaign website ↗
Hannah Pingree
Democrat · Open seat
Former speaker of the Maine House and former director of the governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Rick Bennett
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Bobby Charles
No public position found.
Hannah Pingree
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Rick Bennett
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Bobby Charles
No public position found.
Hannah Pingree
Proposes a “people-first” AI strategy, including a Workers Council on AI and tax credits for employers that retrain workers rather than replace them; supports stronger worker bargaining power.
[1] Pingree campaign: Economic Opportunity
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Rick Bennett
Proposes paying MaineCare providers on time, a $2 million medical-debt relief program, and a “real path toward universal care” by activating the Maine Health Care Board.
[1] Bennett campaign: Make Health Care Affordable
Bobby Charles
Calls for “a complete forensic audit” of MaineCare and pledges to work with the Justice Department on Medicaid fraud allegations. Proposes abolishing the state income tax.
[1] Spectrum News: Charles to work with Trump on fraud allegations (June 2026)[2] Charles campaign: Issues
Hannah Pingree
Proposes a state-backed public health insurance option, streamlined SNAP and MaineCare enrollment, and lower drug costs; criticizes federal Medicaid and ACA subsidy cuts.
[1] Pingree campaign: Affordability[2] Pingree campaign: Health Care
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Rick Bennett
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Bobby Charles
No public position found.
Hannah Pingree
Health plan pledges to “ensure all Maine people can access and afford the full range of reproductive health care” and expand rural maternity care.
[1] Pingree campaign: Health Care
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Rick Bennett
No public position found.
Bobby Charles
No public position found.
Hannah Pingree
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Rick Bennett
In 2025, broke with Republicans to vote for a bill limiting local police cooperation with ICE.
[1] Portland Press Herald: Bennett announces independent run (June 2025)
Bobby Charles
Pledges “strict public safety and immigration policies” and supports ICE enforcement in Maine. Reportedly said he would ask federal officials for ICE and U.S. Marshals at polling places; his campaign said he will seek all legal means to ensure fair elections.
[1] Charles campaign: Issues[2] WGME: Charles reportedly wants ICE agents at Maine polls[3] Charles campaign: Cut Crime plan (PDF)
Hannah Pingree
After the fatal ICE shooting in Biddeford, called for an independent, Maine-based investigation, noted agents weren’t wearing body cameras, and said “ICE out of Maine.”
[1] Pingree campaign: Statement on the killing of Johan Sebastián Guerrero
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Rick Bennett
No public position found.
Bobby Charles
Education plan backs “educational freedom” and curriculum transparency, with a focus on reading, math and science.
[1] Charles campaign: Issues
Hannah Pingree
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Rick Bennett
Proposes a state Maine Generation Authority to own renewable generation and storage, plus expanded weatherization. Co-sponsored the Maine Climate Superfund Act to make fossil fuel companies pay for climate damages.
[1] Bennett campaign: Make Energy Affordable[2] Bennett campaign: Rick’s Results
Record in office
Bobby Charles
Energy plan aims to “cut energy costs by 30 to 40 percent” by ending “costly political mandates,” putting energy experts in charge and restoring reliable power.
[1] Charles campaign: Issues[2] Charles campaign: Energy Crisis plan (PDF)
Hannah Pingree
Pledges 100% clean energy by 2040, a Maine Climate Superfund Act, and a moratorium on AI data centers until they pay their own way; co-chaired the Maine Climate Council.
[1] Pingree campaign: Climate & Energy
Record in office
Maine · 2026

U.S. House, District 2

Open seat (Rep. Jared Golden, D, not seeking reelection).

Download printable PDF ↓
Matt Dunlap
Democrat · Open seat
Maine state auditor and former Maine secretary of state.
Campaign website ↗
Paul LePage
Republican · Open seat
Former governor of Maine (2011–2019) and former mayor of Waterville.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Matt Dunlap
Opposes the Iran war, calling it a “war of choice” that should end, and wants spending shifted to health care “rather than foreign wars.”
[1] Dunlap campaign: Issues
Record in office
Paul LePage
No public position found.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Matt Dunlap
Calls himself “100% pro-labor” and supports the PRO Act. No stated position on AI.
[1] Dunlap campaign: Issues
Paul LePage
Supports “cutting burdensome regulations” on the tech sector and the right to buy and trade cryptocurrency “without unnecessary government interference.” No stated position on AI or unions.
[1] LePage campaign: Home
Record in office
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Matt Dunlap
Supports Medicare for All, protecting Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid, and reversing recent Medicaid cuts; backs universal child care.
[1] Dunlap campaign: Issues[2] Dunlap campaign: Home
Paul LePage
Pledges to protect Social Security and Medicare and cut “wasteful spending” he blames for inflation.
[1] LePage campaign: Home
Record in office
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Matt Dunlap
Says “the decision to terminate a pregnancy belongs to the woman” and that access to reproductive health care “should be a constitutional right.”
[1] Dunlap campaign: Issues
Paul LePage
Anti-abortion, per the Bangor Daily News. As governor in 2014, criticized a Planned Parenthood ad and said, “What I’m against is killing babies as a form of contraception.”
[1] Bangor Daily News: LePage courts women voters (2014)
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Matt Dunlap
No public position found.
Paul LePage
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Matt Dunlap
No public position found.
Paul LePage
Pledges to “finish the wall, end illegal immigration, and restore law and order.”
[1] LePage campaign: Home
Record in office
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Matt Dunlap
No public position found.
Paul LePage
As governor in 2012, his education package included a bill to allow public funding for religious schools; the Legislature’s Education Committee voted 10-2 to recommend rejecting it.
[1] Bangor Daily News: Bill to allow public funds for religious schools rejected (2012)
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Matt Dunlap
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Paul LePage
As governor, called wind power a “boutique energy source” and “expensive,” and favored hydropower and natural gas.
[1] Bangor Daily News: LePage on wind power (2012)
Record in office
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