U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree after winning her ninth term representing Maine’s 1st Congressional District on Nov. 5, 2024. (Jim Neuger/Maine Morning Star)
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree will keep the seat she has held since 2009 representing Maine’s 1st Congressional District after a landslide win in Tuesday’s election.
Pingree received 59.8% of the vote with 45% of the vote counted, the Associated Press announced early Wednesday. The race used ranked-choice voting since the congresswoman faced two challengers — Republican Ron Russell and unenrolled independent Ethan Alcorn.
However, since Pingree received more than 50% of the vote, she was declared the winner on election night.
“Representing the First District is a profound privilege, and I remain committed to working tirelessly for the priorities that matter most to our communities,” Pingree said in a statement before her race was called by the AP. “This victory reflects a shared commitment to protecting fundamental rights, addressing the urgent challenges of climate change, supporting working families, and safeguarding our democracy. These are not just legislative goals; they are the values that bind us and shape our future.”
At a watch party in Portland, Pingree talked about the uncertainty that remains with votes yet to be counted for the presidential race and other congressional races across the country. She said she’s been watching her colleagues’ races, hoping that Democrats will earn a majority to take up issues such as housing affordability, child care and climate change.
“We’re not sure what’s going to happen in the White House, so the role of the House of Representatives is critically important,” Pingree said.
Russell, a former Green Beret who had a 30-year career in the U.S. Army before retiring in the early 2000s, received 34.5% of the vote.
Pingree declared victory hours before the AP officially called the race. The AP still hadn’t called the race just before midnight, so Russell said he was still waiting for a few more votes to come in before making a decision.
“I don’t feel real good about what’s been reported so far, but I want to wait and see a little bit more,” he added, while waiting for the official call.
Alcorn, a Saco resident who campaigned on voters breaking from the two-party system, received 4.9% of the vote.
Pingree thanked her opponents for running respectful campaigns.
The Maine Democratic Party called Pingree a “dedicated public servant” in a statement Tuesday night, adding that “she has fought and delivered for Mainers on everything from lowering costs for Maine’s families and seniors to supporting our farmers, fishermen, and coastal communities.”
“Mainers have overwhelmingly re-elected her to represent them for a ninth term in Congress, where she will no doubt continue her strong record of success,” the party said.
Maine’s 1st Congressional District race was not among those that party leaders were watching closely to determine the balance of power in the U.S. House. The Cook Political Report had rated the district solidly Democratic in the lead-up to the election.
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