Representative to Congress District 1 in Congressional District 1, Maine

2026 Primary Election

• Joshua James Pietrowicz — Sales consultant in ME

  Joshua James Pietrowicz, a 26-year-old lifelong Mainer from the Lewiston area and a former sales consultant, is seeking to represent Maine's 1st Congressional District in the 2026 Republican primary. He is running to counter what he perceives as a decline caused by elites, greed, and corruption, advocating for a "country over party" approach. His platform includes doubling the child tax credit, raising taxes on the ultra-wealthy, and increasing the "no tax on tips" deduction. He supports a strong, secure border with increased legal immigration, states' rights on abortion while personally opposing it, and protecting "God-given rights" from government overreach. Pietrowicz also calls for ending military aid to Ukraine and pursuing "peace through strength" in foreign policy.

• Chellie Pingree — Incumbent U.S. Representative in ME

  Chellie Pingree is the U.S. Representative for Maine's 1st congressional district, a position she has held as a Democrat since 2009. Born Rochelle Marie Johnson in 1955, Pingree previously served in the Maine Senate, including four years as majority leader, and was president and CEO of Common Cause. A longtime organic farmer and member of the House Agriculture Committee, she is also part of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and serves as Ranking Member on a key Appropriations subcommittee. Pingree advocates for environmental protection, opposes Republican farm bills that cut nutrition assistance and favor chemical companies, and addresses issues like USPS failures and ICE detentions. She is seeking reelection in the 2026 primary.

• Ronald C Russell — Small business owner in Kennebunkport, ME

  Ronald C. Russell is a Republican candidate seeking to represent Maine's 1st Congressional District in the 2026 primary election. Born in Fort Fairfield, Maine, Russell dedicated 30 years to military service in the U.S. Army from 1976 to 2006, where he distinguished himself as an Airborne Ranger and in special forces. After his extensive military career, he transitioned to the private sector, working for a small defense contractor and later co-owning another company. Currently residing in Kennebunkport, Maine, Russell's policy platform centers on restoring law and order, ensuring violent criminals serve their sentences, and providing robust resources for law enforcement. He champions tax relief for working families and small businesses, advocating for inflation adjustments and expanded work-linked credits. Additionally, he supports education reforms such as school choice to improve student success and aims for energy independence by developing cost-effective renewable technologies without mandating energy sources.