Pingree, Russell to meet on debate stage once, days before November election

Incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree and Republican nominee Ron Russell will meet once on the debate stage this election, days before voters head to the polls on Nov. 3.. 

The debate will be jointly hosted by Maine Public, NewsCenter Maine and the Portland Press Herald on Oct. 29 in Portland. 

The race is a rematch for Maine’s 1st Congressional District, after Russell in 2024 lost by over 20% of votes to Pingree, who has held the seat since 2009. 

Russell said this week that he agreed to the debate, but felt the date is too close to Election Day.

“That, in my mind, is a tremendous disservice to the voters in Maine,” Russell said. “The fact that we cannot do a debate for a federal office until five days before the election ends, 24 days after voting has already begun, that is criminal, in my opinion.” 

In a statement, the congresswoman said her campaign told the news organizations that she was available any time after Oct. 5, and they returned with the final date.  

“I look forward to taking the debate stage, speaking directly to Maine voters about the issues that matter most and making clear what’s at stake in this election,” Pingree said.