Rick Bennett

Why they say you should vote for them

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

• Says "We need a different approach to governing" and that political parties have become part of the problem.[9]
• Says too many families are "doing everything right and still falling behind" and wants the next generation to be able to build a life in Maine.[1]
• Says he combines policymaking experience with private-sector experience leading company turnarounds and meeting payroll.[2],[9]
• Says he wants a government that "tells the truth," including taking on the utilities and closing loopholes that allow anonymous campaign spending.[1],[7]

Background

• State Senator (elected as a Republican; independent since 2025), Maine Senate · 2020–present[8],[10],[13]
• President and CEO, ValueEdge Advisors (corporate governance consulting) · 2014–present[9],[10]
• Chair, Maine Republican Party · 2013–2017[10]
• CEO, later chairman, The Corporate Library / GMI Ratings · 2006–2014[9],[10]
• State Senator, including Senate President (2001–2002), Maine Senate · 1996–2004[8],[10]
• Republican nominee for U.S. House, 2nd District, 1994 U.S. House election in Maine · 1994[9],[10]
• State Representative, Maine House of Representatives · 1990–1994[8],[10]

Education

• B.A., Harvard University[8],[10]
• MBA, University of Southern Maine[8],[10]

Where they stand

• Housing
  Proposes a state-backed down payment guarantee for first-time buyers, direct mortgage help repaid from a share of future home appreciation, a housing bond to revive factory-built housing, and a statewide permitting audit.[3],[8]
• Taxes
  Proposes applying the Property Tax Fairness Credit directly to property tax bills, expanding the homestead exemption, and a Maine Tax Accountability Act requiring regular review of tax breaks.[4],[8]
• Energy & Environment
  Proposes lowering the authorized profit rate for investor-owned utilities, expanding weatherization, and creating a state Maine Generation Authority to own renewable generation and storage.[5],[8]
• Health Care
  Says health care is a right; proposes a $2 million medical debt relief program, faster payments to providers, and steps toward universal coverage through the Maine Health Care Board.[6],[8]
• Elections & Democracy
  Proposes an Office of Inspector General to investigate corruption and disclosure of the original sources of large campaign contributions; supports photo ID for voting.[7],[8]
• Abortion
  Supports the right to an abortion.[8]
• Immigration
  Says an immigrant workforce is essential to Maine's economy and supports the state law limiting local cooperation with ICE, saying ICE has not earned trust in Maine.[8],[11]

Voting record

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

In their words