AUGUSTA — A new poll shows 53% of Mainers want the state to follow federal guidelines on transgender sports participation to avoid losing education funds.

The 66th Pan Atlantic Research Omnibus Poll reached 840 likely voters in mid-May and has a 3.5% margin of error.

On the issue of transgender athlete policies, 32% said Maine should not comply with federal demands and 14% were undecided.

In February, President Donald Trump called out Gov. Janet Mills during a meeting in Washington to tell her that Maine should comply with his executive order banning transgender girls from girls’ sports. Mills said Maine will continue to follow state and federal law and told Trump she would see him in court. 

Since then, the federal government has sued the state, and the case is pending in the courts.

When broken down by political party, 82% of Republicans believe Maine should comply with federal demands, followed by 52% of independents and 32% of Democrats.

The poll also asked Mainers who they are thinking of supporting for governor in 2026. The question included those who have already announced their candidacy and others who are rumored to be considering a run.

On the Republican side, 27% said they would likely support state Rep. Laurel Libby of Auburn, 23% backed former U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin and 21% support businessman Shawn Moody. 

On the Democratic side, 33% said they would likely support businessman Angus King III, followed by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows (24%), former House Speaker Hannah Pingree (20%) and former Senate President Troy Jackson (13%).

When asked about a people’s veto referendum to overturn the state budget, 42% said they had no opinion, 20% said they strongly support it, 17% said they somewhat support it and 22% said they oppose it.

On the general question of whether the state is on the right or wrong track, 41% said wrong track, 39% said right direction and 20% were unsure.

When asked to name the three most important issues facing the state, 65% said cost of living/inflation, 39% said immigration and 33% said housing/homelessness.