MAINE, USA — The Maine Legislature is set to decide next week who will serve as the state's attorney general, with current Attorney General Aaron Frey vying for another term. However, the race has grown more competitive, with fellow Democrat Maeghan Maloney and Republican Robert Charles joining the contest.
Aaron Frey, a Democrat who has served as Maine's attorney general for the past six years. Frey highlighted his focus on protecting the public interest, holding corporations accountable, and advancing a humane criminal justice system.
"I've been doing everything I can with the public interest in mind to look after the legal interest of the state and her citizens," Frey said.
Despite his accomplishments, Frey's tenure has been shadowed by controversy. Last year, he disclosed a months-long relationship with a subordinate employee. An independent review of the situation found no issues with the office's work culture.
"I'm doing everything I can to make sure folks have transparency and can rest assured that I am focused on making sure the work continues to get done," Frey added.
Kennebec and Somerset County District Attorney Maeghan Maloney has emerged as Frey's Democratic challenger.
"Now more than ever we need to work as a team to hold the Trump administration accountable and to uphold the protections of the Maine people," she said in a statement to NEWS CENTER Maine. "I have the experience to be an effective and active Attorney General."
However, Maloney is currently facing a controversy of her own. A recent panel found probable cause that she violated Maine Bar Rules by directly contacting a defendant represented by legal counsel—an action prohibited for prosecutors.
In a unique twist, Republican Robert Charles has also entered the race. Despite the Legislature's Democratic majority, Charles is optimistic about his chances and emphasizes collaboration.
"I will be your friend. I will help you. I will listen to you. I will sit down with every single legislator one-on-one," he pledged.
Charles, who served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State under President George W. Bush, plans to prioritize combating drug trafficking if elected.
"I am sort of focused like a laser on getting the drug trafficking organizations out of the state. We can turn this around," Charles said, citing his extensive experience in tackling such issues.
While Charles has garnered praise from the Maine GOP as one of the most qualified candidates in the state’s history, the decision ultimately rests with the Legislature.