The field of gubernatorial candidates affiliated with Maine’s two largest political parties has shrunk from 24 to 12.
Seven Democrats and five Republicans met the Thursday’s deadline to submit 2,000 petition signatures needed to qualify for the June primary ballot. Independent candidates, who will not appear on the primary ballot, have until June 1 to submit 4,000 signatures.
The Republicans include House Minority leader Kenneth Fredette, Shawn Moody, the founder of Moody’s Collision Centers, former DHHS Chief Mary Mayhew, Senate President Mike Thibodeau and Senate majority leader Garrett Mason.
Democrats include Adam Cote, a Sanford attorney and former officer in the Maine National Guard; state Sen. Mark Dion of Portland. House Mark Eves; Maine Attorney General Janet Mills of Farmington, former state Rep. Diane Russell of Portland, lobbyist Betsy Sweet, of Hallowell, and former Biddeford Mayor Donna Dion.
Freeport’s Alan Caron and State Treasurer Terry Hayes are running as independents.
