Bobby Charles

Why they say you should vote for them

The candidate's own case to voters, summarized from their campaign and public statements.

• Says he wants to make Maine safer and more affordable, with "a government that works for you, not against you."[1]
• Promises to cut taxes and energy costs, saying property taxes and energy costs have tripled.[1],[9]
• Promises to "stop the drug crisis" by dismantling drug cartel networks and strengthening law enforcement.[1],[2]
• Calls for audits of no-bid contracts, a top-to-bottom review of state government and a crackdown on fraud, saying it is time to fix what is broken in Augusta.[4],[9],[10]

Background

• Founder, The Charles Group (consulting firm, Washington, D.C.) · After 2005[7],[9]
• Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, U.S. Department of State · 2003–2005[6],[8]
• Investigations staff, House oversight committee, U.S. House of Representatives · 1990s[6]
• Domestic policy staff, Administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush · 1980s–1990s[6]
• Naval intelligence officer, U.S. Navy · About a decade[1],[6]

Education

• B.A., Dartmouth College (1982)[1],[7]
• M.A., Philosophy, Politics and Economics, New College, Oxford (1984)[1],[7]
• J.D., Columbia Law School (1987)[1],[7]

Where they stand

• Taxes
  Proposes raising the homestead exemption in phases from $25,000 to $100,000, with the state reimbursing towns for 100% of lost revenue; supports lowering and eventually eliminating the state income tax.[2],[3],[9]
• Economy & Jobs
  Proposes cutting state spending by $1.3 billion a year through audits, eliminating long-vacant positions and not spending surpluses, and cutting regulations on businesses.[2],[4]
• Energy & Environment
  Supports repealing net energy billing, withdrawing from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and keeping the Kennebec dams; his "Emergency 207" plan would use $207 million from the Rainy Day Fund to suspend the gas tax and expand heating aid.[4],[5],[9]
• Public Safety
  Proposes dismantling drug cartel networks, strengthening law enforcement and expanding addiction recovery and mental health services.[2],[9]
• Immigration
  Says state, local and federal law enforcement should always communicate, and links ICE activity in Maine to the state law limiting local cooperation with ICE; has said he does not understand why agents in Biddeford lacked body cameras or why agents wear masks.[9],[13]
• Health Care
  Opposes a state public health insurance option, saying the state has underpaid providers; cites a federal inspector general finding of fraud in a MaineCare (Medicaid) program.[4],[9]
• Education
  Says classrooms should refocus on reading, math and science, with curriculum transparency so parents have a say in what is taught.[2]
• Elections & Democracy
  Criticizes ranked-choice voting, saying voters deserve to know results on Election Day. In August 2026 the Bangor Daily News reported a recording in which he said he would ask for ICE and U.S. Marshals at voting places; his campaign said he will pursue all legal means to ensure fair and lawful elections.[11],[12]

Voting record

Bobby Charles has not held an office with a recorded voting record. See Background and Where they stand.

In their words