Despite vow of bipartisanship, gubernatorial candidates spar in first televised debate

By: Eesha Pendharkar

Outlets: Maine Morning Star

Published: October 2, 2026

Words: 1,196

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 2 days ago

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Maine’s three gubernatorial candidates exchanged sharp attacks over each other’s records during their first televised debate Thursday, even as all three pledged at the end of the night to work across party lines.

The first of four planned debates was hosted by News Center Maine and the Maine Chamber of Commerce at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland Thursday evening.

Throughout the event, Democrat Hannah Pingree, independent Rick Bennett and Republican …

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