Russell projected to win CD1 primary, setting up rematch with Pingree

Ron Russell has appeared to have 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 Banagor Daily News and Decision Desk HQ called the race, with 55.2% going to Russell and 44.8% for Joshua Pietrowicz. The Associated Press has not yet called the race.

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.