Maine Education Association Backs Three Candidates in Ranked-Choice Gubernatorial Primary

April 30, 2026 - 04:27

The Maine Education Association (MEA) has officially announced its endorsements for the upcoming gubernatorial primary, utilizing the state’s ranked-choice voting system to support three candidates. In a statement released Thursday, the union revealed that its members ranked former state Senator Shenna Bellows as their top choice, followed by Senate President Troy Jackson in second place, and Dr. Nirav Shah, the former director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in third.

The endorsement process involved a thorough survey of MEA members, who weighed candidates’ positions on public education funding, teacher pay, and school infrastructure. Bellows, a Democrat known for her work on civil liberties and voting rights, received the highest level of support, with members citing her commitment to increasing per-pupil spending and expanding access to early childhood education. Jackson, a longtime labor advocate from Allagash, was praised for his legislative efforts to boost teacher salaries and secure funding for rural schools. Dr. Shah, who gained statewide recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, was endorsed for his data-driven approach to public health and his proposals to integrate mental health services into schools.

“Our members have spoken clearly about the leaders they trust to champion Maine’s students and educators,” said MEA President Grace Leavitt in a statement. “These three candidates have demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges facing our public schools and a willingness to fight for the resources our communities need.” The endorsements come as the June primary approaches, with the ranked-choice format allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference. The MEA’s backing is expected to provide a significant boost in fundraising and volunteer support for the endorsed candidates, particularly Bellows, who has positioned herself as a progressive education reformer.