AUGUSTA — Democratic U.S. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has coasted to a third term representing southern Maine’s 1st District, easily defeating Republican challenger Jon Courtney.

Pingree is from North Haven. She benefited Tuesday from her standing as an incumbent in a district that’s long been a Democratic stronghold. Her campaign also was much better financed than that of Courtney, a cleaning business owner from Springvale who’s finishing a term as state Senate majority leader.

The campaign was relatively low key. Pingree rode on her progressive credentials. Courtney highlighted regulatory reform and other job creation issues he worked on in the Legislature.

Pingree also is a former state Senate leader. She’s married to financier S. Donald Sussman.