Republicans in 1st District primary to face Chellie Pingree running tight race
LEWISTON — The race to become Maine's Republican nominee in the 1st Congressional District remained too close to call late Tuesday, with two candidates offering sharply different visions for the party heading into November's general election.
With about 29 percent of precincts reporting, Ron Russell of Kennebunkport held a narrow lead of roughly 1,200 votes over Joshua Pietrowicz of New Gloucester. The outcome had not been determined as of 11:40 p.m.
Russell, a 71-year-old Army veteran and defense contractor, previously challenged Democratic incumbent Chellie Pingree in 2024 and lost by more than 20 percentage points. His campaign emphasized his decades of experience and his belief that age brings valuable perspective to elected office.
Pietrowicz, a 26-year-old former car salesman, had spent months arguing that Russell lacked the energy and viability to seriously compete in the district. The younger candidate positioned himself as a fresh face capable of bringing new momentum to the Republican cause.
The winner will face Pingree, a 71-year-old progressive from North Haven who has held the seat since 2008. The last Republican to represent the district was Jim Longley Jr., who served from 1995 to 1997.
The candidates differed on several key issues during the campaign. Pietrowicz broke with many Republicans by expressing support for the Affordable Care Act subsidies that GOP-controlled Congress allowed to expire, and he went further by advocating for a move toward universal healthcare. On abortion, he said he opposes the procedure but supports allowing it during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, as well as afterward if the mother's life is at risk. He took more conservative stances on immigration and guns.
Russell said he does not support abortion rights and supports exploring alternative programs to Social Security, though he specified he would not implement such changes for people currently paying into the system.
Both candidates generally expressed support for President Donald Trump's agenda and his administration's actions in the war with Iran. Each also expressed skepticism about continued U.S. aid to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Pingree did not face a primary challenge and will now prepare for whichever Republican emerges from this contest.
