Mills vs LePage was most expensive governor’s race in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The high-profile campaign in which incumbent Democratic Gov. Janet Mills defeated former Republican Gov. Paul LePage was the state’s most expensive race for governor, according to campaign disclosure reports.

More than $28.5 million was spent by candidates, party committees and outside groups to influence the race, according to the reports. That included just about $8.3 million spent by the candidates.

The race was won by Mills, who collected 55% of the vote to LePage’s 42%.

The first woman to serve as governor of the state, Mills had touted pragmatic leadership during the pandemic and stewardship of the state budget in seeking a second term. LePage accused her of being an “elitist” who didn’t care about regular Mainers in his attempt to become the longest-serving governor in Maine history.

Total spending exceeded the previous high-water market of nearly $19 million in 2014 when LePage beat Democrat Mike Michaud and independent Eliot Cutler.