Closing Strong: Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Raises Most Money Without Personal Loans In Final Stretch

Augusta – Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows reported raising more than $200,000 during the most recent reporting period. She did this without personal loans unlike some of her other competitors. 

“I’m so thankful for everyone who has supported this campaign,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. “Mainers are knocking on doors, making calls, chipping in what they can — and it's showing up in the numbers. We're building momentum at exactly the right moment and finishing strong for the win.”

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Launches a New Deal for Maine Healthcare

Bangor – Secretary of State Shenna Bellows today announced a series of bold plans for healthcare, part of her New Deal for Maine.  A New Deal for Maine Healthcare is available here. 

“As I’ve traveled the state on a listening tour over the past year, one thing that everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, agrees on is that our healthcare system is terribly broken. I've met with nurses, doctors, patients, hospital administrators, and families all across this state who have shared heartbreaking stories of the challenges we face. Our health care infrastructure is crumbling. Birthing centers are closing. Hospitals are closing. Providers are getting burned out or retiring with no one to take their place. Mainers are struggling with higher health insurance premiums or no health insurance at all, or if they do have insurance, they can’t find a provider within a reasonable distance from where they live” said Shenna Bellows. 

“Healthcare is a human right. No one should be sick because they are poor or poor because they are sick.  That's why we need A New Deal for Maine's Health Care — where every Mainer has access to care they can afford, providers are supported and paid promptly and fairly,

ICYMI: Trump Sues Bellows for Denying ICE Undercover License Plates

Augusta – The Trump administration today filed a federal lawsuit against Maine over Secretary of State Shenna Bellows' decision to deny  requests for undercover license plates fromImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Maine is one of four states sued — along with Massachusetts, Oregon, and Washington.

Earlier this year, Secretary Bellows paused the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles' issuance of new undercover license plates to ICE in the leadup to the agency's January immigration surge. 

See stories below: 

NewsCenter Maine | Shenna Bellows joins NEWS CENTER Maine to talk DOJ lawsuit on license plates for ICE

• Secretary of State Shenna Bellows defended the policy during a live interview with NEWS CENTER Maine on Thursday, saying the state still provides confidential plates to agencies conducting criminal investigations, including drug trafficking and human trafficking cases.

• According to Bellows, 48 federal agencies received confidential plates for what she called legitimate law enforcement work. But she said Maine denied 11 requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement in March because the agency would not agree not to use the plates for civil immigration enforcement.

• “Initially, when we paused all federal agencies, we took a hard look at the policy in general,” Bellows said. “We added a certification requirement that agencies certify they are not going to engage in civil immigration enforcement. The other federal agencies have been able to sign that. ICE has not.”

• “What we saw with ICE here in our communities was targeting our friends and neighbors, seizing people off the streets for civil immigration violations,” she said. “And that’s why we said no. ICE does not get undercover license plates because there are no secret police here in Maine.”

Maine Morning Star | Trump administration sues Maine for denying immigration agents covert plates

• President Donald Trump’s administration sued Maine on Wednesday for refusing to provide immigration authorities with covert license plates. 

• Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows had received a request from federal authorities for undercover license plates a week before U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s large-scale operation in the state began in January, and amid a major surge in Minnesota where federal agents shot and killed U.S citizens. 

• Citing the need for assurance that Maine plates wouldn’t be used for lawless purposes, Bellows denied the federal agents covert plates, a decision that’s up to her discretion under state law. However, this marked the first time Bellows, a Democrat who is also running for governor, suspended such plates during her tenure. 

Maine Public Radio | Feds sue Maine for refusing to issue undercover license plates to ICE

• But Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said her department is still issuing plates to other federal law enforcement branches, just not to ICE.

• "There are certain situations where federal agencies may need undercover plates for certain high stakes operations where there are criminal investigations. What ICE is doing is seizing people off the streets, and they're trying to conceal their identities in any way possible," Bellows said. "We've won before against Trump's Department of Justice, and we think we'll win again."

Bangor Daily News | Trump administration sues Maine and three other states for not issuing new undercover license plates to ICE

• Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows paused the issuing of new undercover license plates for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection ahead of the January ICE surge, saying at the time that the pause was necessary to ensure they weren’t used for “lawless purposes.”

• The pause didn’t affect previously issued uncover plates. 

• But the Justice Department contends that Maine’s policy shift is unconstitutional, violating the U.S. Constitution’s clause supremacy and infringing upon the enforcement of federal laws.

WGME | DOJ sues Maine over decision to pause undercover license plate requests for ICE

• The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed lawsuits against Maine, Washington, Oregon, and Massachusetts challenging their policies denying confidential license plates to federal agents.

• Due to ICE operations in Maine, the office said it was in the best interest to not issue undercover plates.

• “There are no secret police in democracy. The Department of Justice is now threatening to sue, and we’re saying, 'We’ll see you in court.' 

Shenna Bellows announces “People Power Progress” Statewide Campaign Tour

In the final days of the campaign, Secretary Bellows is hitting the road to share her vision for Maine with voters across the state. 

“Today, I am proud to officially launch the People Power Progress Tour — a statewide journey through all 16 counties of Maine” said Secretary Bellows  “Every single one. Because I refuse to be a candidate who only shows up where it's convenient. And I refuse to be a governor who only governs for some Mainers and not others. From York County to Aroostook, we are going everywhere. And everywhere we go, we will carry the same message: Real change comes from people. It is built through collective power, and  it delivers measurable progress for Maine. That is not a slogan, it’s a governing philosophy, and I can’t wait to close this primary campaign meeting people and sharing those plans all across this beautiful state. ” 

Over the last 12 days of the campaign, Secretary Bellows will visit all 16 counties, with more than 25 distinct stops via a variety of campaign hosted and community events events, including:

• Kick off in Presque Isle 

• Cumberland County Dem Forum 

• Bangor Press Conference on Health Care

• Hallowell Meet and Greet 

• Belfast Canvass Launch 

• Oxford Canvass Launch

• Town Hall with Graham Platner in Portland

• Breakfast in Skowhegan 

• Freeport Town Hall

• Rockport Meet and Greet 

• Breakfast in Dover Foxcroft 

• Lewiston Town Hall

• Farmington Breakfast

• Ogunquit Pride 

• Brunswick Wear Orange Rally

• Hallowell Pride

• South Bristol Meet and Greet 

• Bath Meet and Greet 

• Washington County Meet and Greet 

• Ellsworth Election Night Rally 

Shenna Bellows, Troy Jackson and Hannah Pingree Announce Decision to Rank Each Other in Primary

MAINE — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Senate President Troy Jackson, and former Speaker of the House Hannah Pingree announced they would rank each other on the June 9 ranked choice ballot. Bellows, Jackson and Pingree will host a joint press event on Tuesday, May 26 and they have invited US Senate Graham Platner to join them.

Bellows, Jackson and Pingree previously held a joint event to celebrate the Sierra Club of Maine’s co-endorsement of the three candidates.

"I’ve been in the trenches fighting for labor with Troy and for marriage equality with Hannah. I know Hannah and Troy well, and I know that we share the same commitment to progressive change for the people of Maine,” said Secretary Shenna Bellows.  “They’ve had my back as I’ve stood up to Trump, and for that I will always be grateful. We also agree that voucher schemes that drain funding from our public schools have no place in Maine. Not every candidate in this race can say the same. I'm asking Mainers to rank me first, but also to support these two colleagues with their second and third place votes. I helped pass ranked choice voting so you'd have this power. Use it."

“I’ve worked with Shenna and Hannah a long time, and I respect the hell out of them. I’m running to win this race for working class people and end the status quo, but I ask that if you plan to vote for me, you rank them right after. And if I’m not your first place vote, I’d love to have your second,” said Jackson.

“I've known Troy and Shenna since 2002 — we grew up together in Maine politics and have stood on the front lines of some of the most important fights this state has seen. Troy has been a fierce fighter for working people and encouraged me to step up and run for leadership. Shenna and I fought side by side on marriage equality,” said Hannah Pingree.  “This is a ranked-choice election, and I'm ranking them on my ballot because like me, I know they will fight for working Mainers. Maine needs leaders like that up and down the ballot in November.

Shenna Bellows Announces Endorsement from Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) State House Legislative Caucus for Governor

Today, the Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC)House  Legislative Caucus announced their endorsement of Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows as their first choice for Governor. The caucus represents the 7 legislators from across Maine.  

“The House BIPOC caucus members are proud to endorse Shenna for governor because time and time again she has shown up for our communities. Not just with words, but with a listening ear and an eye towards action. We have no doubt she’s the right person to protect our state against Donald Trump and usher in prosperity for every Mainer” said Deqa Dhalac, State Representative House District 120 

 “I’m honored to have the support of the BIPOC caucus in the race for governor,” said Shenna Bellows. “The BIPOC caucus represents some of the best legislators we have in Maine– folks who will do everything in their power to protect our state and their communities."

The 7 members of the caucus are: 

• Rep. Mana Abdi, district 95  

• Rep. Flavia DeBrito, district 64

• Rep. Deqa Dhalac, district 120 

• Rep. Rafael Macias, district 51

• Rep. Ambureen Rana, district 21

• Rep. Ellie Sato, district 109 

• Rep. Yusuf Yusuf, district 118 

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Responds to Victory over DOJ

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows released the following statement in response to Trump-appointed Chief US District Judge Lance Walker ruling that the U.S. Department of Justice cannot force Maine to hand over personally identifiable voter data. Maine and Oregon were the first two states sued by the DOJ for refusing the Trump administration’s illegal order. 

“When I told Trump to jump in the Gulf of Maine, I meant it. This case was never about election security. It was about trying to bully states into handing over voters' personal data to an administration that had no right to it. I refused, I fought back, and Judge Walker saw right through the Trump administration’s intimidation tactics. And today, we won.” 

Shenna Bellows & Troy Jackson Denounce Anti-Public School Organization Bankrolling Nirav Shah TV Ads

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and former State President Troy Jackson released the following statement in response to the half million dollar ad buy to support Nirav Shah funded by Education Reform Now Advocacy Inc.:

“We are deeply disappointed to learn that Dr. Shah is being bankrolled by millionaires whose mission is diverting your tax dollars from Maine’s neighborhood public schools to private ones," said Secretary Shenna Bellows and former Senate President Troy Jackson. 

"As the first and second choice of Maine Teachers, we know our schools are already woefully underfunded — and we will never support making that worse. The group funding this ad campaign wants more voucher programs and private school subsidies, which will further drain resources from the public schools Maine children depend on. Maine's kids deserve fully funded public schools, not a privatization agenda bankrolled by out-of-state millionaires," Bellows and Jackson continued.

In recent weeks, Jackson and Bellows were both endorsed by the Maine Education Association (MEA) as their first and second choice for Governor. 

The ad was paid for by 314 Action, a political advocacy group. Under Maine law, Education Reform Now Advocacy Inc. was disclosed as one of the top three funders behind the ad. Education Reform Now Advocacy is a national organization that advocates for school choice policies, including charter schools, that divert public education funding away from Maine's neighborhood public schools.

NEW TV AD: Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Releases “Safehouse”

Shenna Bellows for Maine announced a newTV ad today: “Safehouse.” The ad highlights Bellows’ history of standing up to protect Mainers, despite threats of impeachment and violence. 

"I’ve been sued, I’ve been doxxed and swatted, and  I’ve received death threats, but I don’t back down from what’s right on behalf of Mainers,” said Secretary Bellows. “And at a time when people that should have known better have failed, and institutions have crumbled, Mainers want a governor who they know will do whatever it takes to protect them. I’m proud to be that leader.”

The ad will begin running statewide today. 

Read the transcript here: 

I’m Shenna Bellows. When I refused to hand over your personal voter data to

Trump, his supporters threatened me with violence. When I said “no” to letting ICE terrorize Mainers, MAGA Republicans wanted to impeach me. And when I threw Trump off the ballot in Maine for inciting an insurrection, my family had to move to a safe house just like this. So, if you want a governor who will stand up to Donald Trump and get things done for Maine – hire the person who already has.

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Rallies Against JD Vance’s Visit to Maine

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows joined activists from Indivisible Bangor and Activate Maine to stand up and reject the hateful and harmful politics JD Vance represents as he campaigns in Maine:

“JD Vance is coming here as Trump's errand boy because the White House is terrified that they are going to lose in 2026. And guess what? They are. Americans and Mainers are rightly pissed off. This illegal war has driven up gas prices beyond belief.” said Secretary Bellows. 
”The attack on our civil liberties, on new Mainers and on democracy is unacceptable. We have one message for JD Vance. Hate has no home here. Democracy will prevail. Mainers are going to vote for democracy, and we are going to win in November.” 

Secretary Bellows: “Donald Trump is America’s Biggest Loser”

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows made the following statement in response to Trump’s most recent comments that he’ll protect the polls by doing “anything necessary for honest elections”.

“Donald Trump is America’s biggest loser. Now that he’s spending all of his time on an illegal war that’s sent gas prices soaring, he knows the only way to win is to scare people from voting. Mainers don’t need to worry – we will have free and fair elections, and any federal law enforcement agent who appears illegally at a polling site will be stopped.”

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Statement on Governor Janet Mills Departure from US Senate Race

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows released the following statement in response to the news that Governor Mills will be suspending her race for US Senate:

“I have great respect for Governor Mills. As Maine’s first woman District Attorney, Attorney General, and Governor, she has blazed a trail that I have been grateful to walk. In the state senate, I was proud to work with Gov Mills to advance causes we cared about like breakfast after the bell, and protecting reproductive freedom. And I, along with the nation, were inspired by her bravery when she told Trump she’d see him in court, sentiments I’ve been proud to echo as Secretary of State. 

I look forward to working with Graham Platner to defeat Susan Collins and win big in November”.

Shenna Bellows Accepts Endorsement of Maine Education Association for Governor

oday, the Maine Educator’s Association announced that Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is their first choice for Governor. The Maine Education Association is the largest professional association and union in the state of Maine representing more than 24,000 teachers, support staff, higher education faculty and staff, pre-service teachers and retired educators.

“After a robust, educator‑led endorsement process, MEA members chose to endorse Shenna Bellows as their first choice in the Gubernatorial primary because of her clear commitment to public education and to putting the needs of students and educators at the center of every decision. She showed up, engaged deeply with our members across Maine, and demonstrated the leadership Maine’s schools need.” said Jesse Hargrove, President of Maine Education Association. 

 “It is because of wonderful public school teachers and a quality public education at Hancock Grammar School and Ellsworth High School that I am Maine’s first female Secretary of State running for Governor today,” said Shenna Bellows. “Educators change lives,  and I’m honored to have more than 24,000 dedicated public servants on my team as we fight to make Maine the best place to live, learn, work and raise a family.”

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Condemns Supreme Court’s Decision to Destroy the Voting Rights Act

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling today in Louisiana v. Callais:

“Today’s decision is just another example of how the Supreme Court has abandoned its principles in favor of partisan politics. Democracy has been tossed in the trash in favor of a political agenda to concentrate more power and greed in the hands of those who want to turn back the clock on progress in our nation. We cannot stand idly by and Secretaries like myself will do everything in our power to make sure that every American continues to have access to the right to vote”.

Shenna-mentum: Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Reports Historic Haul in 42 Day Pre Primary Report

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is reporting a groundbreaking new fundraising total which is likely to top the field. She will report raising more than $512,000 for the fundraising period running from Jan 1 through April 21st. Her cash on hand is more than $710,000. Some metrics from her report include: 

• All 16 counties and more than 310 individual towns 

• Two Thirds of donations are under $50 

• More than 3100 donors just this year with almost 7800 total donors 

• Three quarters of donations come from Maine both this period and for the entire cycle
  

"I'm deeply grateful for the support of every Mainer who chipped in to make this possible" said Secretary Bellows.  “Together, with support from every corner of the state, I know we will go on to be successful and win in June and then November” 

FIRST TV AD: Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Releases “Gulf of Maine”

FIRST TV AD: Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Releases “Gulf of Maine” 

Augusta – Shenna Bellows for Maine announced its first TV ad today: “Gulf of Maine.” The ad highlights Bellows’ fight against the Trump administration's attempt to seize Maine voters' personal data.

"Mainers want a Governor who will stand up to Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans – and win,” said Secretary Bellows. “I'm the only candidate in this race who already has. I'm Maine tough. I'll fight for our democracy, and I won't back down.”

The ad will begin running statewide tomorrow. 

Read the transcript here: 

Shenna Bellows: “Go jump in the Gulf of Maine.” That's what I told Trump’s Justice Department when they threatened our democracy and came for Maine’s personal voter data. “Go jump in the Gulf of Maine.” I’m Shenna Bellows. As your Secretary of State, I threw Trump off the ballot because January 6th was an insurrection. And as Governor, I’ll keep standing up for Maine. Because if anyone comes for our state or your rights – I’ll tell them exactly where to go

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Launches a New Deal for Maine Schools and Childcare

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows today announced a series of bold plans for education and childcare, part of her New Deal for Maine.  A New Deal for Maine Schools and Childcare is available here. 

“My story is deeply rooted in Maine. In no other place, could someone with a story like mine be running for governor. Given the challenges of our state, it seems harder and harder to envision a world where my story is possible. When kids go to school in crumbling buildings, parents delay having children because they can’t find childcare and teachers are paid so little that they have to use a food pantry to get by, our state is failing to serve the next generation.” said Shenna Bellows “That’s why we need A New Deal for Maine Schools and Childcare where every child has access to a quality public education, teachers don’t have to work two or three jobs to provide for their families, and every family has access to childcare they can afford.” 

Shenna will roll out additional components of a New Deal for Maine in the coming weeks. Shenna’s Economic New Deal for Maine is here. 

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Condemns Department of Defense’s Decision to End Collective Bargaining at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is calling on President Trump to reverse his decision to end union agreements at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. 

"Donald Trump claims that union activities harm American defense, but the real threat to US safety is his own unhinged and unnecessary escalations with foreign adversaries. Unions are good for workers and good for our national security – protecting safe working conditions and fair wages at the shipyard to ensure that Bath-built is best-built. Workers need these union protections now more than ever, and the President should reverse course.” 

ICYMI: “Since voters sent Trump back to the White House, Bellows has kept getting in his way.” [Portland Press Herald]

In case you missed it, new reporting from the Portland Press-Herald is highlighting how Shenna Bellows has been standing up to Trump, and winning over voters, as the campaign for governor heats up in Maine.

Read More:

Portland Press Herald: Can Shenna Bellows’ stand against Trump translate to a successful run for governor?

By Rachel Ohm

April 13, 2026

• "She has an energy that's just spectacular," resident Lynn Lockwood said after the event. "She's really smart, and she has the passion you want to see in a candidate."

• Unlike many of the other Democratic candidates, Bellows has become a villain to Maine conservatives for her brash anti-Trump moves. 

• Bellows said she brings a unique set of qualifications with her working class background, legislative service and time as an executive and manager. She says voters are sick of politicians who don't say what they mean — and, according to her, she's not that. "I hear this all the time: I don't always agree with you, but I trust you are saying what you mean, and that you'll fight for us," she said.

• Since voters sent Trump back to the White House, Bellows has kept getting in his way. When the Trump administration requested voter registration data from Maine, Bellows refused to provide it. She says the feds having this data would jeopardize privacy and put voter information at risk. Trump sued her over her refusal. At a press conference on the matter last summer, she told his administration to "go jump in the Gulf of Maine" — a phrase she has continued to echo.

• "She's really well-grounded around decision making," Smith [former head of Equality Maine] said. "I think she would be a fantastic governor because she has the collaborative and political experience and the instincts to be the kind of leader that's going to consider all points of view."

• Her district also voted for Trump, a Republican, for president that year — something Bellows has touted on the campaign trail as an example of her appeal to the rural working class. She said her focus on the issues that matter to people — health care, the cost of living and education — earned her broad support and got her reelected in 2018 and 2020.

• At The Highlands, voters said they were impressed with Bellows' energy and enthusiasm. She talked passionately about standing up for democracy and fighting for the things she believes in, and she engaged the crowd with her personal anecdotes

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Calls for Invocation of the 25th Amendment

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is calling on the cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment in light of recent, unhinged comments by the President. 

"Trump’s public threat to wipe an entire civilization off the map through violence and bloodshed demonstrates what many have long known to be true: he is unfit for the highest office in the land and must be removed. The cabinet has sworn allegiance to protect the constitution, not to protect a mad man. The 25th amendment clearly dictates steps for leaders to put allegiance to the country over allegiance to Trump and they must act.”