Maine’s Republican legislators are considering the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Shenna Bellows Maine’s Secretary of State in response to her recent decision to purge Donald Trump from the state’s presidential primary ballot. This move has triggered a contentious political standoff with significant implications.
Republican state Representative John Andrews expressed his intent to submit a Joint Order, adhering to parliamentary mechanisms outlined in Mason’s Rules, to impeach Secretary Bellows. He argues that Bellows, a Democrat, is allegedly infringing upon the rights of an American citizen and the 45th President, who faces neither conviction nor impeachment charges. Bellows justified her decision by citing the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, contending that Trump’s involvement in the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol disqualifies him from appearing on the Maine ballot.
Andrews criticized Bellows’ ruling, characterizing it as an overt display of partisanship. He accused the Secretary of State, appointed by legislative Democrats, of orchestrating the ban to position herself favorably in the 2026 Democrat Primary for Governor, alleging a departure from impartiality in the electoral process.
Several other Maine Republicans echoed Andrews’ sentiments, labeling Bellows’ decision a “sham” reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. Maine House Republican leader Billy Bob Faulkingham decried the ruling as a threat to the people’s right to choose their leaders without interference from partisan agendas. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins also voiced her concern, emphasizing the importance of Maine voters determining election outcomes rather than a partisan-appointed official.
In response to the controversy, Trump’s legal team has vowed to pursue an appeal against Bellows’ decision, escalating the legal and political tensions surrounding the exclusion from the primary ballot. The situation is poised to unfold as a critical test of the balance between electoral integrity and partisan maneuvering in Maine’s political landscape.