Businessman Shawn Moody has won the Republican Gubernatorial primary, but the Democrats are still counting votes to declare their winner.

According to WGME-TV, with 71% of precincts reporting early Wednesday morning, Moody had 56% of the votes, with Garrett Mason his closest competitor with 23%. Former DHHS Director Mary Mayhew had 15% and Ken Fredette had 6%.

In the Democratic primary, Attorney General Janet Mills is in the lead with 33% of the votes, but is followed closely by Sanford Attorney Adam Cote. Since she hasn't reached a more than 50 percent majority, a second round of ballot counting will have to take place, as part of the ranked choice process. It could be several days before the Democratic candidate for Governor is determined.

As residents were using the ranked choice process to determine the gubernatorial candidates, they also voted to endorse it for the federal election in November. Just after midnight, the majority of key precincts had reported and the 'yes' vote had 55% on the ranked choice voting referendum question.

 

 

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