Angus King III, a businessman and renewable energy advocate, has announced his run for governor of Maine. He’s the son of U.S. Senator Angus King Jr. and aims to bring fresh ideas to the table as Maine heads towards a transition in leadership. With Governor Janet Mills unable to run in 2026 due to term limits, the race is heating up, and King’s candidacy adds a notable contender to a crowded field.
King, a Portland Democrat, is not alone; Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and former Senate President Troy Jackson are also in the race. In total, seven candidates have registered for the gubernatorial race, according to the Maine Campaign Finance website.
In his announcement, King emphasized his commitment to helping people and building a better future for Maine. He wants to improve conditions for small businesses and focus on innovation in the economy. “It shouldn’t be hard to afford the basics of life,” he stated in his press release.
King is also known for founding Peaks Renewables, a company dedicated to sustainable energy solutions. One notable project involved creating a facility in Clinton that converts cow manure into natural gas. This kind of innovative thinking aligns with trends in renewable energy, which showed a 140% increase in investment in 2021 alone (IRENA).
Senator Angus King praised his son, calling him hardworking and optimistic. He believes Angus King III’s combination of skills and values makes him well-suited for the role of governor.
As for the competition, other Democratic names in play include U.S. Representative Jared Golden and Hannah Pingree, director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation. On the Republican side, potential candidates include former U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin and Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart.
The primary elections are set for June 9, 2026, with candidate signatures due by March 16, 2026. This election cycle promises to be significant for Maine as it looks towards new leadership and policies focused on building a strong, sustainable future.
With growing interest in renewable energy and local economies, King’s approach resonates with many Mainers who are looking for innovative solutions to today’s challenges. Stay tuned for more updates as the campaign unfolds.