Governor of Maine

Governor of Maine
source
Post	Governor
Body	Maine
Insigniasize	110
Insigniacaption	Seal of the State of Maine
Flagsize	110
Flagcaption	Flag of the governor
Incumbent	Janet Mills
Incumbentsince	January 2, 2019
Department	Executive branch of the Government of Maine
Style	The Honorable (formal), Governor (informal)
Residence	Blaine House
Seat	Augusta
Termlength	Four years, renewable once consecutively
Constituting instrument	Constitution of Maine
Formation	March 15, 1820
First	William King
Salary	$70,000 (2013)

Governor of Maine. The governor is the head of the state government and commander-in-chief of the Maine National Guard. The office was established upon Maine's admission to the Union in 1820 under the Constitution of Maine. The governor's powers and duties are derived from the state constitution and statutes, with the current officeholder being Janet Mills, a member of the Democratic Party.

History

The office originated when Maine separated from Massachusetts through the Missouri Compromise, with its first executive being William King. Early governors, such as Hannibal Hamlin who later became Vice President of the United States, often dealt with issues like the Aroostook War and economic development. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the governorship was held by members of various parties including the Whig Party, Republican Party, and Democratic Party. Significant historical periods include the American Civil War leadership of Israel Washburn Jr. and the progressive era policies of Oakley C. Curtis. The state's political landscape has seen notable figures like Edmund Muskie, who later served as a United States Senator and United States Secretary of State.

Powers and duties

The governor possesses broad executive authority, including the power to sign or veto legislation passed by the Maine Legislature, which consists of the Maine Senate and Maine House of Representatives. As commander-in-chief of the Maine National Guard, the governor can deploy forces during emergencies, a power exercised during events like the 1998 ice storm in Maine. The governor appoints heads of major departments, members of boards and commissions, and judges to courts like the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, subject to confirmation by the legislature. Other key duties include submitting an annual budget to the Appropriations Committee, granting pardons and commutations, and ensuring the enforcement of state laws administered by agencies such as the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

Election and succession

Gubernatorial elections are held every four years, coinciding with the presidential election in even-numbered years not divisible by four, such as 2018 and 2022. Candidates must be at least thirty years old, a United States citizen for at least fifteen years, and a resident of Maine for at least five years. If the office becomes vacant, the Senate President assumes the governorship, followed by the Speaker of the House if necessary, as outlined in the state constitution. This line of succession was invoked in 1959 when Clinton Clauson died in office and John H. Reed succeeded him. Since a 1993 term limits referendum, governors are restricted to two consecutive terms, though they can run again after a break in service.

List of governors

Since statehood, Maine has had 75 individuals serve as governor, with the inaugural officeholder being William King. The longest-serving governor was Joseph E. Brennan, who served two full terms from 1979 to 1987. Historically, the Republican Party dominated the office for much of the 20th century, with figures like Owen Brewster and Margaret Chase Smith, who later became a prominent United States Senator. In recent decades, the office has seen more alternation between parties, with Angus King serving as an independent from 1995 to 2003 before becoming a United States Senator. The first woman to hold the office was Janet Mills, elected in 2018.

Residences and traditions

The official residence of the governor is the Blaine House, a historic building in Augusta named for James G. Blaine, the United States Secretary of State and former resident. The home has been the executive residence since 1919, following its gift to the state by the Blaine family. It hosts numerous public events and official functions, including the annual holiday open house. Traditions include the presentation of the state Christmas tree, often sourced from the Maine North Woods, to the President of the United States, a practice coordinated by the governor's office. The governor also participates in ceremonies like the Maine Lobster Festival and the delivery of the inaugural address from the steps of the Maine State House.