A Democratic state lawmaker from South Berwick says she’s exploring a primary challenge against U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree for Maine’s 1st District seat.
Rep. Tiffany Roberts said in a statement Monday that she’s forming an exploratory committee to see “if Mainers are looking for a change.” She said families and businesses are struggling with high costs and uncertainty, and “the status quo won’t solve these challenges.”
“I’m exploring this race because we have become a country that is stuck in gridlock, while Mainers are left waiting,” Roberts, 45, said in a written statement. “We deserve a representative who delivers, not just talks about change. We deserve leadership rooted in accessibility, accountability and results.”
If Roberts enters the race, Pingree will face her first primary as an incumbent for a seat that has been held by a Democrat for nearly 30 years. But Roberts also would face an uphill battle against a congresswoman who has steadily ascended the ranks in the U.S. House of Representatives over the last 16 years.
Pingree, of North Haven, was first elected on 2008. She replaced former Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, who had held the seat since 1997.
During her first campaign, Pingree emerged from a crowded primary that included former state lawmakers Michael Brennan and Ethan Strimling, as well as Adam Cote, an attorney and member of the Maine Army National Guard who later ran for governor.
Since then, Pingree, 70, has not faced a primary opponent, and she has largely cruised through the general elections, buoyed by a more progressive southern Maine electorate. She currently serves on the House appropriations and agricultural committees and has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and his administration.
This cycle, four Republicans — Eric Small, Ronald Russell, Andrew Piantidosi and Joshua James Duprey — have all registered with the FEC. Russell defeated Piantidosi in the 2024 Republican primary before losing in the general election.
Roberts is currently serving her fourth, two-year term in the state House of Representatives and serves on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and the Economic Development Committee. She owns her own advertising and marketing firm, according to state financial disclosures, and is married with three children.
Roberts has not filed any paperwork with the Federal Election Committee, but rules allow a candidate to “test the wasters” for a possible run, including raising and spending money to travel and conduct polling, without filing paperwork. If that individual decides to become a candidate, they must report that fundraising and spending.
