Maine Governor Candidates to Debate in Auburn Next Week

Republican Bobby Charles and Democrat Troy Jackson will face off in a televised event moderated by labor and conservative leaders.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The two leading candidates for Maine governor, Republican Bobby Charles and Democrat Troy Jackson, will meet for a debate next Wednesday, February 25th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn. The debate, which will not be open to the public at the insistence of Charles, will be moderated by Andy O'Brien of the Maine AFL-CIO and Carroll Conley, the former head of the Christian Civic League of Maine. Topics will include law enforcement, crime, drugs, immigration, ICE enforcement, and government corruption.

Why it matters

This debate represents a key moment in the race to replace outgoing Democratic Governor Janet Mills, who is term-limited. With nearly two dozen candidates vying for the position, this televised event will give voters a chance to directly compare the policy positions and leadership styles of the two frontrunners from the Republican and Democratic parties.

The details

The debate was scheduled after Jackson challenged Charles to a debate earlier this month, criticizing what he called "racist narratives" that Charles has pushed about immigrants, including Somali Americans. Charles accepted the invitation, though his campaign did not respond to requests for comment. The event will not be open to the public, which was a stipulation from Charles' team.

  • The debate is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Troy Jackson

A Democrat and former Maine Senate president who is running for governor.

Bobby Charles

A Republican and former U.S. assistant secretary of state who is running for governor.

Andy O'Brien

The communications director for the Maine AFL-CIO, who will moderate the debate.

Carroll Conley

The former executive director of the Christian Civic League of Maine, who will also moderate the debate.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.