Maine Democratic gubernatorial primary race remains close as vote totals begin to roll in

PORTLAND (WGME) – The race to represent the Democratic Party in the quest for the Blaine House remains incredibly close as the votes roll in Tuesday night.

Dr. Nirav Shah holds a slight lead over the rest of the field, but he may not stay there.

If no one gets to 50 percent of the vote, plus one vote, the race will go to ranked choice, and polls have suggested that former House Speaker Hannah Pingree could be a strong contender there.

She says she feels that way after going to hundreds of town halls and forums across the state and listening to the concerns of Maine families who are struggling in this economy.

She spoke to supporters at her watch party Tuesday night.

“Maine people are worried about what’s happening in this state and in this country. They’re worried about the rights that they might lose. And they want a governor who is tough,” Pingree said. “People are struggling right now. With the cost of housing, healthcare, childcare, energy, property taxes, you all know these things.”

“I think it’s going to be a huge year for Democrats,” Maine Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Shenna Bellows said. “We saw Democrats running out of primary ballots in Yarmouth, in Portland, multiple times. Clerks having to rush new ballots into the polling place. That’s a great sign when you see a record turnout like that.”

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows (WGME)

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Shah, members of his team, and voters celebrated what they call a successful campaign Tuesday night.

He thanked the hundred or so supporters in attendance who have helped him get to Tuesday.

Shah says there are several pressing issues facing Maine, including affordability, the housing crisis and healthcare.

He hopes to be the man to tackle these issues head-on.

Shah told voters not to expect a final result Tuesday night.

While Shah expects the election to come down to rank choice voting, he insists this is only the beginning of his campaign.

“People in Maine have seen me show up, particularly during difficult times, and that is more relevant now than it ever has been,” Shah said. “This campaign is just getting started, and we are not going to stop until Election Day.”

Shah’s campaign says if he’s elected as governor in November, he would be first South Asian Democratic governor in United States history.

It is doubtful that any of the Democrats or Republicans running for governor will get more than 50 percent of the vote Tuesday night.

Mainers likely won’t know who will win the primary in the governor’s race until sometime next week.