Nov. 12, 2025 – Portland, ME
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Forward Party Co-Founder and former NJ Governor Christine Todd Whitman will join Rick Bennett for an event in Portland on November 20.
Today, the Forward Party proudly makes its first endorsement of the 2026 election cycle by endorsing State Senator Rick Bennett (I) for Governor of Maine. In a state long known for its fiercely independent spirit, Rick Bennett represents the next chapter of Maine’s tradition of putting people ahead of parties.
A former Republican, Rick unenrolled in June to run as an independent because, “both parties are more interested in point-scoring than problem-solving.” Over decades of public service, including as President of the Maine Senate unanimously elected by his peers, Rick has consistently acted on principle rather than party pressure. Rick has a well-documented track record of working with Democrats, Republicans, and independents to get things done for Mainers.
Forward Party co-founder and former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman will join Sen. Bennett on Thursday, November 20 in Portland for a noontime conversation at the Cumberland Club on Leadership in a Divided America: How leaders can – and must – rise above outrage, restore trust, and unite people around shared values.
“Rick Bennett represents exactly the kind of leadership America needs right now—principled, pragmatic, and willing to work with anyone to get results for the people he serves,” said Gov Whitman. “I’m looking forward to joining him in Portland for a conversation about how leaders can rise above partisanship, rebuild trust, and unite people around our shared values.”
“I am honored to receive the Forward Party endorsement,” said Rick Bennett. “The current political landscape calls for a new approach: cooperation, a sense of responsibility, and a determination to rise above the fray to find solutions. Real change won’t come from Washington. It will come from the states. And Maine, true to our motto Dirigo – ‘I lead’ – can and must show the way.”
“Rick Bennett is the kind of leader Maine deserves – independent-minded, honest, and committed to solving problems instead of defending a party line. Maine has never waited for Washington or political parties to tell it what to do. Neither does Rick. That’s why we’re proud to stand with him.”
— Kayla Berube, Forward Party National Political Director
Maine has never been defined by red or blue, but by independence, practicality, and plainspoken integrity. This endorsement is rooted in shared values, shared courage, and a shared belief in the people of Maine:
- People Over Party: Maine voters are some of the most independent in America, and Rick’s candidacy reflects that same trust in voters over political parties.
- Practical Problem-Solving: Rick has consistently focused on real solutions to Maine’s most pressing problems – the cost of housing, the strength of the economy, the quality of the schools – rather than partisan talking points.
- Courage to Break with Party Politics: His decision to leave the Republican Party and run as an independent shows the kind of integrity on which the Forward Party is built.
- Collaboration Over Division: Rick listens first, leads with respect, and works with anyone of good faith—exactly the kind of leadership Maine has always rewarded.
The Forward Party’s momentum in the 2025 elections proved that voters across the country are hungry for leaders who put community before conflict. We helped elect candidates who stood for accountability, democracy, and functional government—not partisan games. Rick Bennett brings that same vision to Maine and it’s exactly why he is our first endorsement of the 2026 election cycle. We will be announcing many more endorsed candidates leading up to the election in November ‘26.
More information on the candidate above and a full, running list of current 2025-2026 Forward-endorsed candidates is here: forwardparty.com/candidates