The Maine Affordable Housing Coalition invites you to a housing-focused forum with Maine gubernatorial candidates Hannah Pingree (Democratic Nominee) and Rick Bennett (Independent Nominee), moderated by Chris Costa of NEWS Center Maine.

Whether you are a housing professional, municipal official, business leader, advocate, or concerned citizen, join us to ground the conversation in voter data and keep housing at the forefront of the 2026 state elections.

Note: All candidates were invited to participate. 

What to Expect

• First Look at Statewide Polling Data: The forum kicks off with the public release of brand-new statewide polling commissioned by MAHC. Get fresh, direct insights into how Maine voters view the housing crisis, which policies they back, and what they expect from the state’s next Governor and Legislature.
• Candidate Visions & Solutions: Following the polling presentation, the candidates will discuss their platforms for expanding housing supply, improving affordability, and supporting Maine’s workforce, families, older adults, and future generations.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Discover how the next administration can work alongside local communities, the Legislature, non-profits, and private sector leaders to expand housing access and keep Maine’s economy thriving.

Details

Date & Time: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Location: Portland, Maine

*Note: Registration is required. Location details will be shared upon registration.

Cost: Free for MAHC members, non-profits, students and local & state legislators and candidates| $50 for non-member businesses

Not a MAHC member yet? Join us! As Maine’s lead housing advocacy organization, we drive the funding and regulatory reforms needed to build housing that is affordable to all Maine people. Please reach out to Partnerships & Coalition Director Emmy Ham at eham@mainehousingcoalition.org with questions about about our membership program.

We hope you will join us for for a timely, solutions-focused gubernatorial forum on the defining issue facing our state. If you have any questions about the event, please reach out to info@mainehousingcoalition.org. 

REGISTER