Former Maine Governor Challenges Incumbent in Heated Congressional Race!

Former Maine Governor Paul LePage announces a bid for Congress, challenging Democrat Jared Golden in a race that could reshape Maine’s political landscape.

Key Takeaways

Former two-term Maine Governor Paul LePage has filed paperwork to run for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District against Democratic Rep. Jared Golden.
LePage is positioning himself as a supporter of Trump’s agenda, emphasizing his business experience and promising to fight “extreme woke policies.”
Republicans view this seat as a prime pickup opportunity, especially if Rep. Golden vacates it to run for governor in 2026.
LePage, who previously lost his 2022 gubernatorial comeback bid against Janet Mills, has re-established Maine residency after living in Florida.
The race could become one of the most competitive in the country, with Golden having won his last election by less than 3,000 votes.

LePage Makes His Congressional Bid Official

Former Maine Governor Paul LePage has officially entered the race for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, filing paperwork with the Federal Election Commission. The “Paul LePage for Congress” campaign was registered along with the “LEPAGE VICTORY FUND” as an affiliated organization, marking the Republican’s return to politics after his failed 2022 gubernatorial bid. Republican National Committee member David Whitney confirmed on social media that LePage would be making a formal announcement about his congressional run soon, with campaign strategist Brent Littlefield indicating that more details would be forthcoming.

LePage made his announcement on Facebook after meeting with residents in Eastport, where he outlined his platform and reasons for running. The former governor, who has maintained a high profile in Maine politics despite residing primarily in Florida since 2019, will be challenging Democratic Representative Jared Golden, who is currently serving his fourth term representing the district.

Former Maine Gov. Paul LePage has announced he is running for Congress. “I do not need a job, I am running to protect our Maine jobs,” he said. https://t.co/HJUzELRmex

— CBS 13 News (@WGME) May 5, 2025

A Strategic Republican Opportunity

Republicans view Maine’s 2nd Congressional District as a prime opportunity to flip a seat in 2026. Golden held onto his position by a narrow margin of less than 3,000 votes in the 2024 election, making this one of the most vulnerable Democratic districts in the country. Adding to Republican optimism is speculation that Golden may vacate his seat to run for governor when Janet Mills reaches her term limit, potentially leaving an open contest with no clear Democratic successor lined up.

LePage brings significant name recognition and political experience to the race, having served as a city councilor and mayor of Waterville before his two terms as Maine’s governor from 2011 to 2019. During his time as governor, LePage achieved several policy victories aligned with conservative priorities, including reducing income taxes, cutting welfare rolls, and shrinking the size of state government. These accomplishments could appeal to the district’s rural and working-class voters who have shown support for both Trump and Golden in recent elections.

LePage’s Political Comeback and Challenges

LePage’s entry into the congressional race comes after his unsuccessful attempt to return to the governor’s mansion in 2022, when he received 42.4% of the vote compared to Janet Mills’ 55.7%. After leaving the governor’s office in 2019 due to term limits, LePage claimed he was “done with politics” and changed his residency to Florida. However, he later re-established residency in Maine to challenge Mills and now appears fully committed to returning to public office through a congressional run.

LePage’s tenure as governor was marked by controversy, including his disavowal of political correctness and clashes with Democrats, the media, and various interest groups. Critics have accused him of making racially inflammatory remarks during his time in office. However, supporters appreciate his direct approach and business background, which he emphasizes in his congressional campaign announcement. His platform focuses on supporting President Trump’s agenda, addressing inflation, protecting Second Amendment rights, opposing “extreme woke policies,” and safeguarding Social Security and Medicare – issues likely to resonate with many voters in the largely rural, working-class district.