Charles Hippler IV

Charles Hippler IV graduated from Maranacook Community High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Thomas College in 2022. His career experience includes working as a commercial real estate broker.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Charles 'Charlie' Hippler and I'm running to be your next representative for Maine House of representatives seat 55 in the State Legislature, representing Manchester, West Gardiner, and Hallowell. I have lived in Manchester practically my entire life, and currently have an office in Hallowell where I sell commercial real estate.

I've always had an interest in civics and local government. I currently serve on the Town of Manchester's Selectboard as Vice Chair, recently served as Chair of the Manchester Sanitary District, and one of 3 reps for Ward three on the Kennebec County Budget Committee. I love meeting new people and working together to solve problems.

When I'm not working locally as a commercial real estate broker, I love spending time around Cobbossee lake and camping/riding ATV's in the Moosehead region in the summer and fall.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Affordability

Maine's state budget has grown approximately 64% in the last eight years, from $7.1 billion to $11.65 billion, far outpacing wage growth for most families in District 55. That growth has to be funded somehow. Maine's individual income tax is the single largest source of our states General Fund budget. Young families starting out in life, through seniors on fixed income, feel that squeeze hardest since their income doesn't grow as fast as state spending does. I'll fight to slow the growth of state spending and make sure Augusta lives within the means of the people who pay to keep it running.Housing

According to the state's 2023 Housing Production Needs Study, Maine needs 84,000 new homes by 2030 just to meet demand. MaineHousing data shows the median home now sells for $375,000, which requires roughly $121,000 in annual income to afford. Outdated zoning and slow, costly permitting are a major reason why. Developers facing months of delays and per-unit costs that can exceed what a finished home even sells for. I'll work to simplify regulations, streamline permitting, and update zoning, as I've supported on the Selectboard, so it's cheaper and faster to build or convert the housing our communities actually need.Small Business Growth

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Maine's real GDP growth was flat in the fourth quarter of 2025, and full-year growth ranked among the lowest in the nation. Maine ranks 43rd in a recent study for business friendliness, with the state's business-friendliness score collapsing and infrastructure falling 45 spots to dead last in the country. Forbes ranks Maine 42nd nationally for starting a business, and the American Legislative Exchange Council's Rich States, Poor States index puts Maine at 44th for economic outlook. I'll fight to cut the red tape holding back Maine entrepreneurs and make District 55 a place where it's easier (not harder) to start a business.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Primarily economic-related policy, such as taxation, small business growth, etc., is of most interest to me. As a candidate, I look at how we can make the key "inputs" of life more affordable: transportation, housing, and healthcare. Too often, these items lack both affordability and quality.

I also find policy relating to Maine's relationship with its municipalities interesting. Maine has a longstanding history of "local control" with its municipalities, and preserving and balancing this is important to me, as I've seen it work at the local level as a Selectman.