Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is claiming victory in her Maine District 1 race and has a 20-point lead over Republican challenger Ronald Russell with about half the votes counted by early Wednesday morning.

Pingree said last night that she hopes both parties in Congress can work together to solve problems such as the high cost of food, housing and childcare.

Pingree has served in the House of Representatives since 2009 and will start her ninth term in office in January.

She also says she will use this next term to focus on housing, childcare and the environment. Pingree further articulated her priorities in a press statement.

“I remain committed to working tirelessly for the priorities that matter most to our communities,” said Pingree. “This victory reflects a shared commitment to protecting fundamental rights, addressing the urgent challenges of climate change, supporting working families, and safeguarding our democracy. These are not just legislative goals; they are the values that bind us and shape our future.”

In addition, Pingree expressed a need for Democrats to hold onto control of the House to provide to balance with former President Donald Trump returning to office next year after winning Tuesday’s election. Republicans will also take control of the Senate in January.

In the Maine 2nd District race, incumbent Democrat Jared Golden had a three-point lead – 51-48 percent – over Republican challenger Austin Theriault early Wednesday morning with almost 60 percent of the vote counted.  The tabulation was a turnaround from most of the early portion of the race in which Theriault had been leading by a similar margin.