Russell wins CD1 primary, setting up rematch with Pingree
Jun 10, 2026 | 6:07 am ET
Description
Ron Russell (left) and Joshua James Pietrowicz (right) are running in the June 9 Republican primary to challenge Democrat U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree in Maine's 1st Congressional District. (Official campaign photos)
Ron Russell has won the Republican primary for Maine’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, setting up another race against incumbent U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree in November.
The Associated Press called the race at 11:03 a.m. on Wednesday, with 53.6% going to Russell and 46.4% for Joshua Pietrowicz.
Russell was the Republican nominee for the seat in 2024, but lost the general election to Pingree, who has held the seat since 2009.
Russell, 71, grew up in Fort Fairfield, and is a retired Army colonel. He served for just over 30 years as an airborne ranger Green Beret, and was in combat in Panama, Somalia, Afghanistan and other crisis response operations.
- 3:32 pmThis story was updated to note that AP had called the race.
Augusta, ME
