Reject hate and violence by voting for Hannah Pingree | Opinion

Maine 2026 Governor’s Race: Immigration Rhetoric Sparks Controversy

BILLINGS, Maine – As the 2026 gubernatorial contest in Maine heats up, a new front has emerged: a heated exchange over immigration policy and the treatment of immigrants in the state. The controversy centers on Republican nominee Bobby Charles’ recent social‑media campaign and the response of former state representative and South Portland mayor Deqa Dhalac, a Somali‑American who has lived in Maine for more than two decades.

Harassment from the Republican Ticket

Last year, Dhalac reported receiving harassing comments on Facebook after Charles launched a campaign targeting her as a “non‑U.S.-born citizen.” Her posts were met with remarks such as “Go back to your toilet country!!” and “U.S.-born citizens only.” She said the insults were “relentless” and aimed at her birth in Somalia rather than her record in Maine.

Charles has used similar language in a July Facebook video, in which he urged Maine’s immigrant population to be placed in “our own version of Alligator Alcatraz.” The video and the comments that followed have drawn criticism for encouraging hostility toward immigrant communities and people of color.

In a separate post, Charles reportedly called the former U.S. Department of Homeland Security official who managed the federal ICE program under President Trump to request that ICE agents be deployed to Maine polling locations on Election Day—a move that would constitute an illegal intimidation tactic. The request, according to news reports, was specifically aimed at voters who are legal immigrants and people of color.

Dhalac’s Experience and Legislative Record

Dhalac, who served as mayor of South Portland from 2014 to 2018 and in the Maine House of Representatives from 2018 to 2022, has spent her public career advocating for worker protection, expanded health care and immigrant rights. While in office she co‑founded the Office of New Americans, an initiative designed to assist newcomers in navigating housing, storm‑damage repair and energy‑efficiency programs.

During her tenure, Dhalac also collaborated with then‑governor Hannah Pingree on legislative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of immigrants and working families. She has cited Pingree’s leadership as a counterbalance to Charles’ “divisive” rhetoric.

Pingree’s Campaign and Position on Immigration

The current Democratic incumbent, Governor Hannah Pingree, has made the protection of immigrant rights a cornerstone of her campaign. Pingree has been outspoken against ICE activity in Maine and has pledged to address systemic issues such as homelessness, the opioid crisis, rising living costs and reductions in federal programs like Medicare and food assistance.

Pingree’s platform also emphasizes affordable housing, health care, and energy‑efficiency solutions. She argues that Maine’s reputation as a “kind and supportive community” should extend to all residents, regardless of immigration status.

The Broader Context

Maine’s population of immigrants, including Somali, Muslim, indigenous, and other communities of color, has grown in recent years. While many are welcomed for their contributions to the local economy and culture, they face increasing scrutiny and fear of federal enforcement actions. Dhalac warned that “nobody benefits when we are driven into hiding out of fear, captured on our way to work and faced with violence in front of our children.”

State officials have noted that any escalation of federal enforcement at polling places could discourage voter turnout and erode trust in the electoral process. The federal government has not yet confirmed the deployment of ICE agents to Maine, but the alleged request by Charles raises concerns about potential intimidation tactics.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming November election will test whether Maine voters are ready to reject rhetoric that targets immigrants and people of color. Dhalac’s call to rally behind Pingree underscores the broader debate about how the state will balance security concerns with the rights of newcomers.

As Maine’s political landscape continues to evolve, the conversation around immigration, public safety and community cohesion will likely remain a pivotal issue in the 2026 gubernatorial race.