Bobby Charles’ sister says she will vote for Hannah Pingree for Maine governor

Bobby Charles’ Sister Endorses Democrat Hannah Pingree in Final Push for Maine Governor Race

Lewiston, Maine – September 9, 2026 – In a move that could sway undecided voters, Anita Charles, the sister of Republican candidate Bobby Charles, published an op‑editorial this week in the Portland Press Herald declaring she will vote for Democrat Hannah Pingree in the November gubernatorial election.

The article, which appeared on Wednesday morning, was written from Anita’s home in Lewiston, where she described her brother’s “divisive rhetoric” and opposition to abortion as reasons she can no longer support him. “Maine deserves leadership rooted in empathy, dignity, intellectual honesty and respect for every person who calls this state home,” she wrote. “That person is not Bobby.”

Anita’s piece also criticized Bobby for his stance on education, saying, “I speak for teachers who work hard, but my brother speaks with false certainty about what is wrong with our schools.” She added that his pledge to “end the nonsense in schools” is “about wire‑brushing that place of all the ideology,” a claim that reflects her view of his approach as overly partisan.

The op‑editorial is set against the backdrop of a tightly contested race. Polls in early August show Pingree, the former speaker of the Maine House, leading Bobby by double‑digit margins in both voter preference and fundraising. “Bobby has already trailed Pingree in the polls and the money trail,” said a campaign aide to Pingree in a brief interview. “Her endorsement from a family member could reinforce that narrative.”

In addition to his criticism of the education system, Bobby has drawn scrutiny for his “hawkish” stance on immigration. In August he called for the Maine Department of Education to be restructured, stating, “It’s not about just changing out the commissioner. It’s about wire‑brushing that place of all the ideology.” He also said he would ask the former Trump border czar to send ICE to Maine, a proposal that has drawn fire from Democrats and advocacy groups.

Bobby’s own comments on abortion have also been a focal point of the campaign. In a March interview with News Center Maine, he described abortion as “abhorrent” and opposed a 2023 law signed by Governor Janet Mills that expands abortion access for women with medical necessity in later pregnancy. “Under the anti‑choice positions Bobby holds today, even in cases of rape, I would not have been able to make a decision about my own body should that have become necessary,” Anita wrote, drawing a stark personal connection between her own childhood trauma and her brother’s stance.

Anita also linked Bobby to former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, who was convicted in 2015 of financial crimes related to a cover‑up of sexual abuse of teenagers. “Bobby has never publicly renounced that association,” she wrote. This claim appears to stem from a long‑time family friendship, a connection Bobby has never formally addressed.

The Portland Press Herald reached out to the Charles campaign for comment on the op‑editorial, but has yet to receive a response. The campaign’s spokesperson declined to comment, citing a lack of public statements.

For context, Bobby Charles is a political newcomer who grew up in Maine before launching his career in Washington, D.C. He served as a federal government official and later founded a lobbying and consulting firm, The Charles Group. He entered the governor’s race early last year and won the Republican primary in a runoff, largely on a platform that included aggressive social media messaging about immigration, crime and school reform. His campaign has been characterized by a “no‑nonsense” rhetoric that has earned him both support and criticism from across the state.

Pingree, the 51‑year‑old former speaker, has positioned herself as a moderate Republican who can appeal to both conservatives and independents. In addition to her legislative experience, she has a record of working on education reform and public health initiatives, which has helped her attract donors and poll voters in the lead‑up to the election.

The op‑editorial arrives less than two months before Election Day and just weeks after Pingree’s fundraising surge. Analysts suggest that Anita’s public declaration could galvanize some Republican voters to reconsider their loyalties, particularly those who have been uneasy with Bobby’s positions on abortion and education.

“It’s a powerful statement from someone inside the family,” said political analyst Mark Sullivan of the Maine Center for Political Research. “The fact that she’s also highlighting her personal trauma adds an emotional weight that could resonate with voters who feel disillusioned by partisan politics.”

Whether Anita’s endorsement will have a measurable effect remains to be seen. Polls show Pingree in the lead by 9.5 percentage points as of August 28, and her fundraising total stands at $3.2 million, compared with Bobby’s $1.8 million. However, the governor’s race has historically been unpredictable, and the final weeks of campaigning often see swings in voter sentiment.

As the campaign moves into the final stretch, both sides are likely to intensify their outreach efforts. The Charles campaign is expected to emphasize Bobby’s record in federal government and his vision for a stronger Maine, while Pingree’s team will highlight her experience, bipartisan appeal, and a track record of working across party lines.

The Maine News Now will continue to follow developments in this race, including any statements from the Charles campaign regarding Anita’s op‑editorial.