During a recent campaign event, Rick Bennettt told some Biddeford residents and others that Maine has much potential but is being stymied by an atmosphere of “hyper partisanship.”
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor
Several Biddeford residents attended an event Monday to learn more and ask questions about independent candidate Rick Bennett’s bid to become Maine’s next governor.
Bennett – a former Maine Senate president – fielded a wide range of sometimes pointed questions on topics ranging from the state’s economy and energy costs to education, LGBTQ+ issues, immigration and affordable housing.
Although Bennett is trailing in recent polls, he points to former Maine governors Angus King and James Longley as inspiration. Both King and Longley were also polling in the single digits in their respective campaigns during the months of July and August, Bennett said.
Bennett remains confident and optimistic not just about his campaign, but also about Maine’s untapped potential.
“We don’t need a political approach that is looking at the next election,” Bennett told the small crowd. “We need a political approach that is looking to the next generation.”
. . .
Jennifer Burke of Biddeford worked as a legislative assistant working with Bennett more than 25 years ago when he was leading an evenly divided state senate, split between Democrats and Republicans.
“It was my first job out of college. I was impressed with his leadership then, and I firmly believe that he is the best candidate to be our next governor,” Burke said.
As the mother of a 16-year-old daughter, Burke decided to pose her own question during the event’s Q & A session. “Maine is one of the oldest states in the country, what are you going to do to keep young people living here?” she asked.
Bennett responded by saying Maine needs to position itself as a place of opportunity and highlight its notable assets including stunning natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities.
“Young people need to see a path forward, and we need to be strategic in clearing that path — making it more visible and attainable,” Bennett said, pointing to Maine’s high housing and childcare costs.
“Our childcare system has failed,” Bennett said. “Many childcare workers in Maine earn less than employees at Burger King.”
Bennett said he is concerned that the average age of a first-time homebuyer in Maine is 45 years old. He said it is nearly impossible for many younger families to purchase their own home.
“The cost of housing is problematic,” Bennett said. “People can’t afford to live near where they work and that impacts our economy because both small and large employers are facing staffing difficulties.”
To make it easier for younger families to buy a home, Bennett said he would work with banks to make lower-down payment options available for Maine families.
“Maine’s next chapter cannot
— Rick Bennett
be dictated by party politics
in Washinton, D.C.”
Jason Briggs of Biddeford said he has worked in the tourism industry for more than 40 years and asked Bennett what he would do to support an industry that is facing numerous challenges.
Bennett described tourism as one of Maine’s heritage industries and said the state is failing to address the “very real concerns” being faced by small business owners on a daily basis and are often considered as not much more than a constant source of tax revenue.
“Small businesses need predictability and stability,” Bennett said. “They need support — not what I see as a very problematic view from Augusta.”
Bennett also said that Maine has fallen from being a national leader in public education to near the bottom of the pack when it comes to learning results.
“Today, nearly three-quarters of Maine’s fourth graders can’t read, and that poses significant concerns about our future and our economy,” Bennett said.
When asked his position on several hot-button national issues, Bennett said he is the only candidate who can rise above the influence and fray of the two major political parties.
“What we are seeing today is the same partisan dysfunction at the state level as what we’re seeing at the national level,” Bennett said. “I will not bend a knee or be influenced by that hyper-partisan dynamic – it does not serve the people of Maine, and it does not solve our very real problems.”
Bennett said he is proud of his recent endorsement by the Forward Party, a centrist, third-party political movement founded by former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang and former Republican New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman.
The Forward Party’s motto is “Not left. Not right. Forward!” That, Bennett said, is the essence of his campaign.
“We have an opportunity in this next election to do something different,” Bennett said. “I feel really good about this campaign and even better about Maine’s potential.”
VIDEO | Maine people deserve more than partisan politics
. . .
.
Local Journalism Thrives When Community Stands Behind It — If you enjoyed this story, please consider supporting local community journalism by making a donation to the Biddeford Gazette, a community-driven, non-profit news organization fueled by decades of professional experience
.
This story was made possible by the generous support of our readers and these sponsors. Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities | CONTACT US
.
STAY CONNECTED | SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TODAY
.
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE
“Keeping You Connected to Biddeford”
Editorial Standards & Policies
© 2026 Biddeford Gazette, Inc. All Rights Reserved
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 