The bid sets a challenge to the incumbent of Democrats, primarily rural districts, who supported President Donald Trump in each of his three elections.
Former Maine Governor Paul Lepage announced Monday that he is running to represent the state’s second legislative district to send Democratic incumbents at GOP’s base.
Republican LePage confirmed the Congressional bid in a social media post Monday.
The former governor said there is a need for more voices to defend the president and those working towards his agenda.
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LePage’s Congressional bid set a challenge against incumbent Sen. Jared Golden, a Democratic incumbent from a largely rural district who had a great support for Trump in each of his three elections.
LePage, an early Trump supporter, left the governor’s office in 2019 and later reestablished his Maine residency before moving to Florida.
Additionally, a Golden spokesman said lawmakers are not focusing on reelection, but are working to protect the state’s fishing communities, reduce healthcare and secure jobs at ironworking facilities shipyards.
Golden said in his re-election bid he was an independent voice and campaigned about his willingness to work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
“I was one of the most independent and most bipartisan members of Congress,” Golden said during an October discussion. Golden said he voted against President Joe Biden more than any other family Democrat.
Democrats also promoted advocacy for the lobster industry. This is a major part of the region’s economy known for lobster fishing and logging.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has issued a statement in response to Lepage’s bid to challenge the Golden at its GOP base.
NTD, sister media to the Epoch Times, contacted the Maine office to confirm the claim and did not receive a response by the time of publication.
LePage’s Congressional bid represents the second attempt at a political comeback after his retirement after losing to Gov. Janet Mills in 2022. He condemned the loss of the election for the focus of the governor’s contest on abortion rights. Lepage said in the debate that he would reject a bill that would ban abortions in 15 weeks.
With Republicans already having a slim majority in the lower rooms, Maine’s Second Congressional District will become one of the most viewed house races in the country.
The medium-term elections will be held in November 2026. A total of 468 seats will be gloved, including Senate seats and all 435 home seats.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
From NTD News
