PORTLAND, Maine — Democratic U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree has won re-election to represent Maine’s First Congressional District, defeating Republican challenger Ronald C. Russell to secure her tenth term in the House of Representatives.
Speaking to a crowd of supporters following her election night victory call, Pingree delivered a fiery address emphasizing congressional oversight, government accountability, and reversing federal policy shifts.
“We’re going to have our work cut out for us,” Pingree told supporters. “But if our majorities are big enough, and if we take back the United States Senate, we are going to do everything we can to investigate the corruption and the crime, get rid of people like Pete Hegseth and all of those secretaries, reverse the trends on funding, and put our government back together.”
Focus on Oversight and Local Priorities
In addition to federal oversight, Pingree’s campaign highlighted long-standing initiatives focused on coastal and rural communities across southern and midcoast Maine:
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Coastal & Working Waterfronts: Securing federal grants and policy protections for Maine’s commercial fishing, lobstering, and maritime sectors.
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Agriculture & Local Food Systems: Strengthening support for small farms, sustainable agriculture, and organic food supply chains.
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Infrastructure & Climate Resilience: Directing investment toward coastal flood mitigation, clean energy projects, and municipal infrastructure.
Maine’s First Congressional District covers York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Knox, and Lincoln counties, along with parts of Kennebec County. With her victory, Pingree will continue as one of Maine’s senior delegation members when Congress convenes in January.
