Statewide Republican Primary: Governor

The race to succeed the term-limited incumbent features a broad field. Below are the candidates appearing on your Republican ballot:
 

• Bobby Charles: A former Assistant Secretary of State under Colin Powell and a regular commentator on national security. He is currently leading in several early primary polls.

• Garrett Mason: Former State Senate Majority Leader from Lisbon. He is running on a platform of traditional conservative values and legislative experience.

• Jonathan Bush: A healthcare entrepreneur and nephew of President George H.W. Bush. His campaign focuses on market-based healthcare reforms and economic innovation.

• James Libby: A State Senator and economics professor. He has centered his campaign on fiscal discipline and education reform.

• David Jones: A veteran and business owner focusing on Maine's "Blue Economy" and working-class issues.

• Ben Midgley: Former CEO of 24 Hour Fitness and Crunch Fitness; running as an outsider with a focus on business-friendly policies.

• Robert J. Wessels: Emphasizes government transparency and constitutional protections.

• Owen McCarthy: A tech entrepreneur focusing on modernizing state infrastructure and attracting young families to Maine.

 

Federal Primary Candidates

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U.S. Senate
 

• Susan Collins (Incumbent): The only Republican candidate on the ballot, seeking her sixth term.
   

U.S. House (District 1)
 

• Ron Russell: Former Army Special Forces (Green Beret) and defense contractor. He advocates for reduced federal spending and a "peace through strength" foreign policy.

• Joshua Pietrowicz: A Christian conservative whose platform highlights constitutional carry, the nuclear family, and slashing federal debt.
   

Eliot Municipal Election (Non-Partisan)

While these appear on the same day, local races in Eliot do not carry party labels.
 

Select Board (Choose 2)

• Bradford Swanson: Running on a platform of fiscal oversight and municipal transparency.

• Bruce Cabot Trott: Emphasizing citizen engagement and prudent management of town growth.
   

Local Warrant Articles (Referendums)
 

• Article 1: Property Tax Levy Limit: A vote to see if the town will increase the property tax levy limit (LD1). The Select Board and Budget Committee have committed to not exceeding $4,795,421 for the FY2026 general fund.
   

• Planning Board Article: A proposed amendment to local zoning and land use ordinances to bring Eliot into compliance with updated State of Maine housing laws.
   

• Budget Committee Article: A vote to formally define the specific roles and responsibilities of the Budget Committee within the Town Charter.
   

• Sewer Enterprise & General Fund: Approximately ten articles related to the funding of specific town departments and sewer infrastructure maintenance.
   

MSAD #35 School Budget

Voters must validate the school budget for the 2026–2027 year. The proposed budget addresses rising costs in transportation, insurance, and student support services.
 

Voting Logistics

• Location: Eliot Town Hall, 1333 State Road.

• Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

• Absentee: Must be requested by June 4, 2026.