By Ray Cardello for July 16, 2025, Season 32 / Post 1

When Republicans think about Maine Governor Janet Mills, the first thing that comes to mind is how many days until January 6, 2027, and we can finally say goodbye to possibly the most progressive governor Maine has ever seen and definitely, the most destructive. Mills will complete her second and final term as governor on that day, and with any luck, we will welcome a Republican governor to lead Maine out of the Mills Malaise. Mills inherited a budget surplus and an era of prosperity left by the outgoing Governor LePage in 2019, who had served his maximum two terms. Unfortunately, Maine voters have short memories, and LePage soundly lost his effort to regain the governor’s office in 2022. He is now running against Jarred Golden for Maine’s 2nd congressional district.

When we examine Governor Mills’ tenure in Augusta’s corner office, we see a wave of progressive policies implemented that have hindered the growth and future of Maine. We observed that the fiscal surplus has disappeared, and we are now focusing on managing a projected $187 million General Fund shortfall for the 2026-2027 biennium. WE see that Maine has one of the highest tax burdens in the country while experiencing one of the lowest average household incomes. Under Mills, Maine prides itself on being a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants, young girls seeking abortions without parental consent, and children under the age of 18 seeking transgender surgery or treatment, again without parental consent. Mills is proud to point to the policy similarities with California. The last thing we need for Maine is for it to become the California of the East with all of its fiscal, social, and safety issues. Mills is also at odds and battling Trump and the Federal Government on Title IX issues, potentially costing Maine millions in federal aid.

Logic suggests that Maine should revert to its more conservative roots and reestablish a solid fiscal foundation. This metamorphosis would begin with closing the books on the Mills’ progressive era, but not so fast. The progressives inhabiting Maine’s larger cities and the southern coast have plans for Mills and the governor’s office. There is a push to have Janet Mills run against Republican Susan Collins for Senator in 2026. This might be the faceoff of the two oldest candidates for a Senate seat. Collins will be 74, and Mills 78. Neither woman sees this as a time for new blood in government. The Democrats will also put their support behind Secretary of State Shenna Bellows to succeed Mills as governor and keep the Progressive movement alive in Augusta. Currently, no Republican has announced intentions to run for the governor’s spot, and the clock is ticking. There is talk of Laurel Libby (R-Auburn/Minot) running, which would put the state rep up against the Progressives who silenced her with censure in 2025. Libby gained tremendous public exposure because of the censure that was a result of Libby’s stand on transgender boys competing against girls. She is considered one of the future power players in Maine politics and would be a worthy match against Bellows.

2026 will be a year of status quo in Maine, with the Democrats holding onto power or a changing of the guard and a return of Republican common sense to the Capitol. I am pulling for the change, as I hope many Mainers are.

A Note from the Author: This post marks my 1,700th published piece since 2021. I thank everyone for their support of my work, and especially Conservative Daily News, Howard Polskin at The Righting, and the Granite Grok for helping to spread my message.