Housing
Proposes state-backed down-payment guarantees and mortgage-payment support linked to a capped share of future appreciation.
Source checked October 27, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.← Back to Maine · GovernorSourced issue position Sourced issue position Sourced issue position
THE 2026 CANDIDATE FILE
Rick Bennett
Candidate for Governor · Maine
THE PERSON
Background
Rick Bennett is a Maine business leader and public servant running independently for governor. His campaign biography says he grew up in Yarmouth, lives in Oxford and has led business turnarounds and job creation in Maine.
Roots
- Home community: Oxford, Maine; raised in Yarmouth.
Background sources checked October 27, 2026.
THE POLICIES
Where they stand
Campaign promises are labeled separately from past actions. These are sourced positions, not endorsements or predictions. No stance is assigned from party affiliation.
Taxes
Supports expanded homestead relief and applying income-sensitive property-tax credits directly to tax bills.
Source checked October 27, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.Government accountability
Proposes an inspector general and comprehensive biennial program reviews with public budget hearings.
Source checked October 27, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.THE ELECTION
Ballot & sources
Governor · November 3, 2026
Candidate listing checked October 23, 2026.
Maine Secretary of State · Final 2026 general-election candidate list ↗Portrait source ↗Photo: Dirigo Blue · CC BY 3.0 · Cropped to fit
The candidate’s name and party follow the official ballot source. Backgrounds and issue positions are checked separately. A candidate is not an officeholder-elect unless a verified result establishes that status.