AUGUSTA, Maine — Republican gubernatorial candidate David Jones publicly ranked his full ranked-choice voting ballot Monday during a press conference with media and supporters, making him the only candidate in the race to do so publicly, according to his campaign.
Jones began by addressing his own place on the ballot before speaking about each of the candidates he ranked. He explained his reasoning openly and said the process reflected his campaign’s emphasis on transparency.
“The Maine Democrats gave us Ranked Choice Voting,” Jones said. “Today, we are going to beat them at their own game, right here, in front of all of you.”
Jones said Maine voters deserve a governor who is willing to be direct about where he stands.
“Maine deserves a Governor who shows his cards,” Jones said. “That’s why I’m doing this publicly.”
Jones ranked himself first, saying he believes he is the strongest conservative candidate in the race.
“I’m ranking myself first because I’m the only candidate who relentlessly stood with Donald Trump and has been fighting for conservative values in Maine for over 20 years,” Jones said. “I have a real plan to fight for Maine families, lower energy costs, slash property taxes, cut red tape, and bring a Maine DOGE to Augusta.”
Jones then ranked business-oriented candidates ahead of candidates he described as career politicians, saying practical experience building companies and meeting payrolls should matter more than time spent in politics.
His ranked-choice ballot was as follows:
- David Jones
- Ben Midgley
- Owen McCarthy
- Jonathan Bush
- Garrett Mason
- Robert Wessels
Jones said he had positive things to say about each person he ranked and that the decision required serious thought.
“I want to be clear. I have kind things to say about every person ranked on my ballot,” Jones said. “This was something I really had to think about.”
Jones said he chose not to rank Robert Charles, citing what he described as unanswered questions and concerns about Charles’ participation in the race.
“I had intended to rank Robert Charles seventh, but as the voters going to the polls on Election Day will probably do, when pen came to paper, I thought there are too many unanswered questions with regards to Charles,” Jones said. “While all the other candidates consistently showed up to debate important issues, Charles consistently did not. We need a united Republican Party, and unfortunately, D.C. lobbyist Robert Charles has not shown himself to be a team player. Trust matters, and at this point, Robert Charles has not earned mine.”
In closing, Jones asked voters for their first-place vote. He also asked voters who do not rank him first or second to place him wherever they believe he best belongs on their ballot.
Jones said his campaign remains focused on lowering energy costs, reducing property taxes, cutting red tape, improving education, restoring parental rights, and bringing change to Augusta.
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