Wabanaki Chiefs Endorsed Hannah Pingree for Governor

The tribal leaders selected Pingree based on her pledge to recognize full tribal sovereignty.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Native American

A misty forest scene along a rocky Maine riverbank, representing the Wabanaki tribal territories. — Four Wabanaki tribal chiefs have officially endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Hannah Pingree, citing her commitment to advancing tribal sovereignty reforms in Maine. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Four Wabanaki tribal chiefs have officially endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Hannah Pingree. The coalition of leaders announced their support at a press conference on Indian Island.

Why it matters

Tribal leaders are prioritizing candidates who have actively engaged with their communities and committed to advancing sovereignty reforms. This move highlights a clear divergence from the current administration's stance on tribal relations.

Four Wabanaki chiefs from the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Penobscot Nation, Mi'kmaq Nation, and Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkomikuk have pledged their support. Pingree has promised to sign sovereignty legislation within her first 100 days.

The players

Hannah Pingree

Hannah Pingree is a Democratic candidate for the governor of Maine.

Janet Mills

Janet Mills is the current governor of Maine who opposes the tribal sovereignty reforms proposed by Pingree.

Rick Bennett

Rick Bennett is an independent candidate for governor who has previously sponsored legislation sought by tribal leaders.

Bobby Charles

Bobby Charles is a Republican candidate for governor who has not stated support for the proposed sovereignty legislation.

The details

The endorsement follows Pingree's outreach campaign, which included visits to tribal reservations such as Motahkomikuk. While Pingree has aligned herself with tribal sovereignty goals, Governor Janet Mills maintains opposition to these reforms, and Republican candidate Bobby Charles has not stated his position.

1980: The original settlement act was established.
October 8, 2026: Candidates participated in the second gubernatorial debate.
October 9, 2026: Tribal leaders announced their endorsement of Hannah Pingree.

Culture Shift

This endorsement signals a move toward redefining the state's relationship with Indigenous nations, challenging the long-standing framework of the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act. It reflects a growing tribal movement to assert full sovereignty that transcends traditional party platforms.

The endorsement could significantly reshape the regulatory and legal landscape for residents regarding land use and tribal jurisdiction. Voters may see these sovereignty proposals become a central debate topic in the final weeks of the gubernatorial campaign.

The takeaway

The move by the Wabanaki chiefs forces the issue of sovereignty to the forefront of the gubernatorial race. Voters should review how the proposed sovereignty reforms might affect state-tribal relations and the legal status of reservations across Maine.