The entrance of another Democrat in the race for Maine’s 1st Congressional District has teed up a primary for incumbent U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, who is seeking her 10th term.
State Rep. Tiffany Roberts of South Berwick announced last week her plan to run for Maine’s southern district in the November 2026 election. She is the only Democrat currently challenging Pingree, who is seeking her 10th term in the office. The two will face off in a June 9 primary election to determine who will be on the November ballot.
Roberts’ entrance into the race came ahead of a shake-up in the Republican primary, with Sanford Police Chief Eric Small announcing his decision to conclude his run. Instead, he plans on running for a seat in the Maine House of Representatives because he feels he could be more effective in state office. In his announcement, Small backed Republican Ron Russell in his bid to unseat Pingree.
Russell won the Republican primary for the 2024 election, but ultimately lost to Pingree by 57% to 35%. Federal election records also list Republicans Joshua Duprey and Anthony Piantidosi as candidates.
At her launch event at the South Berwick Town Hall, Roberts talked about being elected to the Maine House seven years ago, saying she didn’t know at the time what she was getting herself into, but felt people deserved someone who would listen and fight for them.
“In Maine, showing up still means something,” Roberts said. “It’s how trust is built, how problems get solved, and how progress starts. But let’s be honest. For far too long, government hasn’t been listening. We are tired of being talked at. Tired of promises that sound good but don’t change anything back home.”
Roberts also discussed her grown children who no longer live in the state, though “not for lack of me trying.” Because she doesn’t want other parents to see their children leave to make a decent income, she’s driven to come up with ideas for how to make Maine a place where the next generation can afford to live.
She said her work chairing the Legislature’s Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee showed her that Maine’s heritage industries need upgrading, while new technologies and markets need to be explored to create jobs for young people.
“This isn’t a campaign against anyone,” Roberts said. “It’s a campaign for something. For Maine’s future. For the next generation. For a government that listens first and acts second. Because the postcard platforms and clickbait talking points have gotten us here — where our kids are leaving, families are priced out, seniors are struggling, and small businesses are tangled in red tape. This campaign is for changing that.”
Roberts said that following the launch event she’d be starting a “Six Counties in Six Weeks” tour, during which she’ll spend a week in each county of the 1st District. She plans to hold town halls, walk shop floors and meet with voters and is asking for volunteers to help with her campaign as well as donations for staffing, field offices and other outreach.
