Ronald
C. Russell
Army veteran and business owner Ron Russell is the 2026 Republican nominee challenging Rep. Chellie Pingree in Maine's 1st District.
- sources
- 11
- positions
- 12
- endorsements
- 2
Background
Ronald C. Russell is the 2026 Republican nominee challenging Democratic incumbent Rep. Chellie Pingree in Maine's 1st Congressional District. Born and raised in Fort Fairfield, Maine, on a potato farm, Russell attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry in 1976. 1314
Russell served approximately 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 2006. He describes himself as an Airborne Ranger and Special Forces-qualified Green Beret. After retiring, he worked for a small defense contractor before helping to start a small business that grew to more than 150 employees over 14 years. Maine Public lists his occupation as "Defense contractor." 1314
Russell moved back to Maine in June 2021 and lives in Kennebunkport. He won the Republican primary in 2026, setting up a rematch with Rep. Pingree. 17 He holds no prior elected office according to the sources reviewed. 114
At a glance
- Party
- Republican
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 1, Maine
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- Defense contractor / Republican nominee for U.S. House, Maine's 1st Congressional District
- Website
- russellformaine.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Nov 3filingRussell listed as Republican nominee on November 3 general election ballot facing Pingree
Russell is confirmed as the Republican nominee in Maine's 1st Congressional District on the November 3 general election ballot, with no ballot challenge or filing dispute found in sources reviewed.
The Maine Wire’s Guide to Casting Your Ballot · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 7newsRussell outlines policy positions in WMTW candidate profile
Russell told WMTW he largely agreed with the Trump administration but was 'not beholden' to Trump, Johnson, or the Republican Party. He opposed Medicare for All, supported reforming (not dismantling) ICE, and said consumer costs would fall once the war in Iran ended. He also emphasized bridging political divides.
Army veteran Ron Russell looks to unseat Rep. Pingree of Maine · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 6debateDebate between Russell and Pingree confirmed for October 29 in Portland
Russell and Pingree confirmed a single debate hosted by Maine Public, NewsCenter Maine, and the Portland Press Herald, scheduled for 7 p.m. on October 29 in Portland—five days before Election Day.
How to watch our upcoming debates for Maine governor, senator · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 28newsRussell interviewed on Maine Public's Maine Calling program
Russell participated in a 51-minute Maine Calling interview segment on Maine Public, discussing his campaign and policy positions.
Political Update & Interview with Candidate Ron Russell · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 25pollUNH poll shows Pingree leading Russell 57% to 35%
A University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll of 1,312 likely voters conducted September 17–21 found Pingree ahead of Russell 57% to 35%, with 5% undecided.
Jackson, Collins neck and neck in Maine Senate race · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jun 30newsRussell's fundraising lags Pingree's through June 30 reporting period
Through June 30, Russell raised $75,680, spent $69,878, and had $20,023 cash on hand. Pingree raised $429,634, spent $422,200, and held $423,112 cash on hand—far outpacing Russell.
ME-01 2026: candidates, polls & rating - Vugol Me · Sep 21, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jun 9filingRussell wins Republican primary in Maine's 1st Congressional District
Ronald C. Russell defeated Joshua James Pietrowicz 53.6% to 46.4% in the Republican primary. The Associated Press called the race, setting up a general-election rematch with Democratic incumbent Chellie Pingree.
Russell wins CD1 primary, setting up rematch with Pingree · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- Maine GOP officialListed under 'Maine GOP 2026 Endorsements' on Sway. No specific endorsement date or named party official provided. sway.co
- Council on American Exceptionalism organizationListed in the 'Other' category of endorsements on iVoterGuide. No date shown; iVoterGuide notes endorsements received after its deadline were not considered in panel evaluations. ivoterguide.com
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $76K
- Spent
- $70K
- Cash on hand
- $20K
As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H4ME01160(opens in a new tab)
Sources 11
- [1] Maine GOP 2026 Endorsements(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [2] The Maine Wire’s Guide to Casting Your Ballot(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [3] Army veteran Ron Russell looks to unseat Rep. Pingree of Maine(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [4] How to watch our upcoming debates for Maine governor, senator(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [5] Russell wins CD1 primary, setting up rematch with Pingree(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [6] Political Update & Interview with Candidate Ron Russell(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
- [7] Ronald C. Russell(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
- [8] Jackson, Collins neck and neck in Maine Senate race(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
- [9] ME-01 2026: candidates, polls & rating - Vugol Me(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
- [10] Your Vote 2026 profile: Ron Russell, Republican for 1st District(opens in a new tab) Apr 17, 2026
- [11] Key Issues(opens in a new tab) Nov 3, 2025