Former Maine Governor Paul LePage has officially thrown his hat into the ring for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, challenging Democrat Jared Golden in what promises to be one of the nation’s most competitive House races.
At a Glance
- Former two-term Maine Governor Paul LePage filed paperwork to run for Congress in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District in 2026
- LePage is targeting the seat currently held by four-term Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, who is considering a run for governor
- The Republican former governor emphasized the need for new leadership in Washington to support President Trump’s agenda
- Maine’s 2nd District is considered one of the most competitive in the nation, with Golden winning by less than 3,000 votes in 2024
- LePage previously lost his 2022 gubernatorial comeback bid against Democrat Janet Mills, receiving 42.4% of the vote
LePage Makes His Congressional Intentions Official
Paul LePage, the controversial former Republican governor of Maine, has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for Congress. The FEC website shows “Paul LePage for Congress” was established on May 4, 2025, signaling his intent to challenge Democratic Congressman Jared Golden for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District seat in 2026. LePage made a formal announcement on his Facebook page following the filing, confirming his return to Maine politics after previously claiming he was “done with politics” following his 2022 gubernatorial loss.
LePage’s announcement comes as Golden, who is currently serving his fourth term representing Maine’s 2nd District, is reportedly considering a run for governor to replace term-limited Democrat Janet Mills. The timing suggests LePage sees an opportunity in what could become an open seat race in a district that Republicans believe they can flip in 2026.
A Platform of Conservative Priorities
In his announcement, LePage outlined a conservative agenda focused on supporting President Trump and pushing back against what he describes as entrenched Washington interests. The former governor emphasized his business background and promised to bring his straight-talking approach to Congress if elected.
“Today, I joined people in Eastport for breakfast and at the dock to talk about the need for a new voice in Washington, DC. The entrenched interests are fighting President Trump at every turn as he works to fix problems. We need more straight talk to help take back Washington. We need more real-world business experience, those who know how to create jobs. We need people who understand what it’s like to struggle, why inflation hurts. We need more leaders who know how to cut wasteful spending while improving programs.”, Former Maine Governor Paul LePage said.
LePage’s platform includes traditional conservative positions such as supporting the Second Amendment and opposing what he calls “extreme woke policies.” He has also pledged to protect Social Security and Medicare, issues that resonate with Maine’s older population. His announcement emphasized fiscal responsibility and job creation, themes that defined his two terms as governor from 2011 to 2019.
A Political Comeback in a Competitive District
LePage’s congressional bid represents a significant political comeback attempt after his 2022 gubernatorial loss to Janet Mills. Since leaving the governor’s office in 2019 due to term limits, LePage had primarily resided in Florida before re-establishing residency in Maine. His entry into the congressional race comes after Republican strategists identified Maine’s 2nd District as a potential pickup opportunity.
Golden, the incumbent Democrat, has maintained his seat in a district that leans Republican by focusing on moderate positions and occasionally breaking with his party. He won his most recent election by less than 3,000 votes, highlighting the competitive nature of the district. If Golden vacates the seat to run for governor, political analysts suggest Republicans would be favored to win the open seat.
A Record of Controversy and Accomplishment
During his time as governor, LePage developed a reputation for divisive politics and rejecting political correctness. He frequently clashed with Democrats, the media, and various interest groups. His tenure was marked by controversies, including accusations of racially inflammatory remarks that drew national attention and criticism.
Despite the controversies, LePage achieved notable policy victories during his governorship, including reducing income taxes, cutting welfare rolls, and decreasing the size of state government. These accomplishments remain popular with his conservative base and will likely form the foundation of his congressional campaign.
David Whitney, a Republican National Committee member, and Brent Littlefield, a longtime strategist for LePage, have both indicated that more information about the former governor’s congressional run will be released shortly. The campaign is expected to emphasize LePage’s executive experience and his alignment with President Trump’s agenda as key selling points to voters in Maine’s 2nd District.