EqualityMaine Endorses Hannah Pingree for Governor

September 13, 2026

EqualityMaine Endorses Hannah Pingree for Governor

Organization cites Pingree’s long history of leadership on LGBTQ+ equality in backing her candidacy for Maine’s next governor

PORTLAND, Me. — EqualityMaine, Maine’s oldest and largest LGBTQ+ political advocacy organization, today announced its endorsement of Hannah Pingree for Governor of Maine, citing her long history of unwavering support for LGBTQ+ equality. As Speaker of the Maine House in 2009, Pingree was the lead co-sponsor of Maine’s marriage equality bill, leading the legislative fight to pass it even as some in her own party held back.

EqualityMaine’s endorsement process was grounded in ensuring that whoever holds the Blaine House will protect and advance full equality for LGBTQ+ Mainers, including:

  • Nondiscrimination protections. Defending Maine’s nondiscrimination law and rejecting religious or moral exemptions that would let businesses and providers turn away LGBTQ+ people, and continuing to strengthen protections through measures like the Equal Rights Amendment.
  • Safe schools for LGBTQ+ youth. Opposing book bans and censorship of LGBTQ+ content, ensuring inclusive curriculum standards, and protecting transgender students’ ability to participate in school life consistent with their gender identity.
  • Family recognition. Ensuring LGBTQ+ parents can build and protect their families through adoption, surrogacy, and donor insemination without unnecessary barriers.
  • Healthcare access. Protecting MaineCare coverage of medically necessary gender-affirming care and defending Maine’s provider shield law, so LGBTQ+ Mainers and the providers who serve them are not subject to out-of-state prosecution.
  • Representation in government. Appointing openly LGBTQ+ people — including LGBTQ+ people of color and New Mainers — to cabinet positions, boards, and the judiciary.
  • Safety and health equity. Enforcing hate crime protections for LGBTQ+ Mainers, expanding harm-reduction and public health responses, and directing housing agencies to address the disproportionate rates of housing instability facing LGBTQ+ people, including transgender Mainers and youth.

“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 Hannah, who has stood strong with us for many years ,” said John Hennessy, EQME 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.”

Pingree, raised on North Haven, served as Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives and most recently directed the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.

“I’m so proud to have the endorsement of EqualityMaine. Every Mainer deserves to live free from discrimination and to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter who they are or who they love. I’ve stood with the LGBTQ community throughout my career fighting for equal rights, and as Governor, I’ll continue to stand with you during these important times.”

EqualityMaine thanks all candidates who fully participated in its 2026 gubernatorial endorsement process, whether by completing the endorsement questionnaire, meeting with board members, or both.

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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 Hannah Pingree
Hannah Pingree is a candidate for Governor of Maine. She previously served as Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives and as director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.

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