[3][4] The Legislature then attempted a further delay until 2026, which was vetoed by Governor Janet Mills.

[5][6] On August 5, 2024, the winner of the flag redesign contest was announced, with honors going to Adam Lemire of Gardiner, Maine.

His design, chosen out of more than 400 entries, features a pine tree modeled after one he saw in Viles Arboretum in Augusta, Maine.

"[8] Opponents of the referendum, such as representative Billy Bob Faulkingham, argue that "it goes back to Civil War significance to have that blue flag.

The sailor and the farmer have historical significance back to the roots of the state of Maine, and that's what they represent"[8] The referendum, held as part of the 2024 United States elections, saw the proposed flag rejected by 56% to 44%.