U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree greets voters as they enter the East End School in Portland to vote on Nov. 5. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree declared victory Tuesday night after early voting results showed her building a clear lead over two challengers.

Pingree, who was seeking a ninth term in Congress representing Maine’s 1st District, had 58.3% of the votes with 90% of precincts reporting at 10:30 p.m.

In a largely polite and sedate race, Pingree, D-1st District, defended her seat against Republican Ronald Russell and independent Ethan Alcorn. Russell had 36% of the early vote and Alcon had 4.9%.

“I am deeply humbled and immensely grateful for the trust that Mainers have once again placed in me to continue serving the people of Maine in Congress,” Pingree said in a written statement. “Representing the First District is a profound privilege, and I remain committed to working tirelessly for the priorities that matter most to our communities. This victory reflects a shared commitment to protecting fundamental rights, addressing the urgent challenges of climate change, supporting working families, and safeguarding our democracy. These are not just legislative goals; they are the values that bind us and shape our future.”

As a progressive Democrat in a heavily Democratic-leaning district, Pingree was the heavy favorite going into the election.

Kitchen table issues like housing and inflation dominated the campaign, with all candidates arguing that something needs to be done about the housing shortage in Maine.

Maine is going to need about 84,000 new housing units by 2030 to keep up with demand, according to a state report. Meanwhile, housing prices continue to climb and many people in their late 20s, 30s and older, who would normally be in a position to buy a home, are instead priced out of the market.

Inflation was another major issue. While inflation has eased recently, pandemic shutdowns in the United States and across the world constricted trade, disrupted normal business activity and resulted in a run-up in prices in the years immediately following the onset of the pandemic in 2020. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, $1 in buying power in 2020 is worth the equivalent of $1.22 as of September 2024.

Pingree lives in North Haven and is a former farmer, small business owner, state legislator and leader of national citizen advocacy group Common Cause.

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree greets voters outside the East End School in Portland on Election Day. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

Pingree, 69, was seeking her ninth term in the House.

Russell, 69, of Kennebunkport, retired from the U.S. Army after 30 years of service, and was an Airborne Army Ranger and Green Beret. He grew up in Fort Fairfield and moved back to his home state in 2021, in part to run for office.

Alcorn, 60, of Saco, owns a landscaping business, and campaigned on cutting federal government, arguing that both Democrats and Republicans contributed to an ever-growing federal debt.