Pingree invites public to submit ideas for transition after election win

Fueled by little sleep, almost enough coffee and dozens of supporters touting “Governor-elect Hannah Pingree” signs, the second woman to serve as Maine’s chief executive celebrated her victory in Portland on Wednesday morning.

While results are still coming in, The Associated Press reported as of noon that she secured 55.1%, with 91% of votes counted. Pingree is among at least 17 women that voters elected governor across the country Tuesday, a result she highlighted to cheers from the crowd.

“Last night we won, and we won big. And now I am ready to get to work, and I am not going to wait until January,” she said. 

But Pingree’s victory speech on Wednesday also focused on what comes next, highlighting the continuation of Democratic control in Augusta and the affordability challenges Mainers face that her administration will attempt to solve.

“A big majority is not a license to go it alone; it is a promise to get it done well,” she told the crowd gathered at Fort Allen Park. 

In victory speech, Pingree vows to fight for Maine

Pingree invited people to submit ideas through her transition website, which launched Wednesday morning and promised the process would be “open and transparent,” offering voters insight into “who’s helping us prepare, what we’re working on, and what decisions are being made.”

Pingree’s husband, Jason Mann, introduced her by recalling two qualities he said had defined her throughout the race: her empathy and her relentless work ethic.

“No one has ever outworked her, and no one ever will,” Mann said.

Pingree echoed that emphasis on hard work, crediting the people who knocked on doors, made calls, hosted events and helped build the campaign. She also thanked her predecessor, Gov. Janet Mills, saying the outgoing Democrat had led Maine through difficult times and given her opportunities to work on issues including healthcare and housing, which she intends to keep building on.

She also reiterated her central priorities from the campaign trail: housing that working families, young people and seniors can afford; accessible and affordable healthcare; and strong communities with good jobs, thriving small businesses and quality public schools.

“Maine sent a message to the whole country: We are ready to fix what is broken,” she said. 

To mitigate the impact of President Donald Trump’s policies on the state, Pingree said her administration will need to collaborate with Maine’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Senator-elect Troy Jackson and her mom, U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, who won her 10th term on election night.

“We need your help here in the state of Maine to turn around the healthcare and the food program cuts,” she said, addressing the delegation. “We need your help ending this war in Iran, these reckless tariffs that are raising prices, and we need heating oil relief. We need you as a partner with the state of Maine urgently.”