Hannah Pingree Refunded Donations from Epstein Attorney
The Maine gubernatorial campaign returned $300 after learning of a donor's past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Hannah Pingree has refunded $300 in campaign donations to Paul Hoffman, a former attorney for Jeffrey Epstein. The move followed inquiries regarding Hoffman's professional history.
Why it matters
The refund occurred immediately after the campaign was contacted about Hoffman's past association with the late financier. Pingree has raised over $4.2 million for her run for governor in Maine.
The campaign refunded $300 consisting of three $100 donations made between May and June 2026. This is a small fraction of the $4.2 million total raised by Pingree's campaign.
The players
Hannah Pingree
She is a candidate for governor in Maine currently running a campaign that has raised over $4.2 million.
Paul Hoffman
He is an attorney based in the U.S. Virgin Islands who previously served as business counsel for Jeffrey Epstein.
The details
A campaign spokesperson confirmed the donation was returned upon learning of Hoffman's background, which included serving as a business attorney for Jeffrey Epstein. Hoffman has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing.
Timeline
Hoffman donated to the campaign between May and June 2026.
The campaign announced the refund of donations on September 28, 2026.
Market Landscape
This refund aligns with a broader trend where political campaigns audit and return contributions from individuals associated with high-profile scandals to maintain voter trust. The action mirrors efforts by other candidates to distance their fundraising from controversial professional associations.
Maine voters and contributors should expect campaigns to maintain higher levels of scrutiny regarding the source of funds in an effort to avoid reputational damage. This process ensures transparency in the political funding process for the state.
The takeaway
Candidates often choose to return controversial donations to demonstrate a commitment to ethical standards and protect their campaigns from negative association. Maintaining rigorous vetting of donor backgrounds has become a standard precautionary practice in modern political fundraising.
Further reading
For more information on political giving in the state, visit Maine Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lewiston Sun Journal.
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