EqualityMaine Endorses Chellie Pingree for Congress

September 9, 2026

EqualityMaine Endorses Chellie Pingree for Congress

Organization cites Pingree’s long record of leadership on LGBTQ+ equality in backing her candidacy for Maine’s 1st Congressional District

PORTLAND, Me. — EqualityMaine, Maine’s oldest and largest LGBTQ+ political advocacy organization, today announced its endorsement of Chellie Pingree for U.S. Representative in Maine’s 1st Congressional District, citing her decades-long record of leadership on LGBTQ+ equality. As Maine Senate Majority Leader, Pingree co-sponsored the state’s first LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination bill in 1997.

In the endorsement process, Pingree expressed strong support for the full range of issues affecting LGBTQ+ Mainers. EqualityMaine’s endorsement process was grounded in ensuring that Maine’s federal delegation will protect and advance full equality for LGBTQ+ Mainers, including:

  • Federal nondiscrimination protections. Passing the Equality Act and defending federal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in healthcare, employment, housing, and public accommodations.
  • Marriage equality. Defending the Respect for Marriage Act and full federal recognition of marriage equality against efforts to weaken or repeal it.
  • Healthcare access. Protecting access to gender-affirming care from federal interference and opposing efforts to restrict Medicaid or insurance coverage of that care.
  • Safety. Robust enforcement of federal hate crimes protections for LGBTQ+ people, including addressing the epidemic of violence against transgender people, particularly Black and Latina trans women.
  • Service and representation. The right of transgender and all LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly in the U.S. military, and confirmation of openly LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+-affirming nominees to the federal judiciary and executive positions.
  • Protection for vulnerable LGBTQ+ people. Recognizing sexual orientation and gender identity as valid bases for asylum claims for LGBTQ+ individuals fleeing persecution.

“EqualityMaine has worked tirelessly and effectively for 42 years, advocating for LGBTQ+ people at the Maine State House and beyond. We are proud to endorse Chellie, who has stood beside us since her time in the statehouse decades ago,” said John Hennessy, EQME PAC Board Chair. “The importance of this election cannot be overstated, and LGBTQ+ people will show up at the polls with all of the information they need to make an informed decision.”

In Congress, Pingree voted for the 2010 repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which she has called one of her proudest moments in office, and voted for the Equality Act when it passed the House in 2019. When the Senate passed the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022, Pingree pushed House leadership to bring it up for a vote without delay, warning that the Supreme Court was coming for marriage equality next and that it was critical to get the bill to President Biden’s desk. She has committed to renewing her support for the Equality Act in the current Congress.

“I’m incredibly proud to receive EqualityMaine’s endorsement,” said Chellie. “For decades, I’ve been honored to stand alongside LGBTQ+ Mainers in the fight for equality—from our early battles against discrimination to protecting marriage equality and defending the hard-won rights of LGBTQ+ people. We’ve made tremendous progress, but we know those rights are under threat. I’ll keep fighting in Congress to ensure every LGBTQ+ Mainer can live openly, safely, and with the full equality and dignity they deserve.”

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About EqualityMaine
Founded in 1984, EqualityMaine is Maine’s oldest and largest LGBTQ+ political advocacy organization. Its mission is to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in Maine through political action, community organizing, education, and collaboration.

About Chellie Pingree
Chellie Pingree is the Democratic incumbent U.S. Representative for Maine’s 1st Congressional District. She previously served in the Maine Senate, including as Senate Majority Leader.

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