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LEWISTON, MAINE – EXCLUSIVE – Former two-term Governor Paul LePage, at age 76, has announced plans to return to politics, largely motivated by his support for President Donald Trump. LePage, known for his brash style and appeal among blue-collar workers, has officially launched his campaign for the House in Maine’s Second Congressional District, a prominent target for Republicans aiming to regain control in the 2026 midterm elections.
LePage stated, “I never, ever had any aspirations to go to Washington until now.” His recent remarks came during a national interview, the first since announcing his candidacy. This upcoming race is anticipated to be among the most scrutinized contests in the nation as Republicans strive to maintain their fragile majority in the House of Representatives.
“Donald Trump is doing what is necessary to address the national debt, and that’s significant for me,” LePage said, while discussing his views in his hometown of Lewiston, where he spent his formative years.
LePage’s Connection to Trump
LePage emphasized the strength of his relationship with Trump, noting, “I have a friend in the White House right now. I know President Trump. I believe I can have an audience with him, and I know several of his secretaries very well. This feels like the right time for me to step back into politics and contribute.”
Having been one of the earliest prominent Republican figures to endorse Trump during his initial campaign, LePage joked, “I was Donald Trump before Donald Trump became popular,” highlighting his long-standing alignment with the former president.
The Path Back to Politics
After wrapping up his second term in 2019, LePage declared he was finished with politics, proclaiming, “I am done with politics. I have done my eight years. It’s time for somebody else.” However, his return was signaled five years later when he rekindled his residency in Maine and challenged current Governor Janet Mills in the 2022 election.
Although he lost that bid for a third term by 13 points to Mills, LePage still managed to secure victory in the 2nd Congressional District during that race.
The District and Its Challenges
Moderate Democratic Representative Jared Golden, a U.S. Marine veteran, has occupied the seat since his election in 2018. Golden’s support has often crossed party lines, making him a unique figure in Congress. Despite his re-election last year by a narrow margin, the district is crucial and presents significant challenges for both parties.
Trump has found success in this district, carrying it in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential elections, where he won by varying margins each time. Maine is one of the few states that allocate electoral votes by congressional district, complicating the political dynamics further.
LePage’s Motivations for Running
In his Fox News interview, LePage reinforced that his main concern driving his political resurgence is the national debt, which, as of May 8, stood at over $36 trillion. He expressed his deep worries about the future for the next generations, stating, “It’s the spending and the debt that has me concerned for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We currently have a president willing to tackle this issue, and I want to be part of the effort.”
In addition to economic worries, LePage expressed concerns over what he termed the “woke environment” in the nation, voicing his opinion on topics such as gender identity in sports. He cited his meeting with a young Maine student, Cassidy Carlisle, who has been an outspoken advocate against male competition in girls’ sports, as part of his commitment to addressing this issue.
Immigration and Trade Focus
When asked about the role of border security and immigration in his campaign, LePage responded affirmatively, stating, “Big time.” He believes these are critical issues that require immediate attention, especially given the ongoing challenges in trade relations.
Regarding recent tariffs imposed by the Biden administration, he acknowledged potential short-term impacts but expressed confidence that they are necessary for long-term benefits. LePage stated, “I’m all for the tariffs. They will repair our international trade and reduce taxes. Yes, there may be short-term pain, but the long-term outlook will be positive.”
A Personal Journey
LePage’s political journey is deeply informed by his own lived experiences. He grew up in a challenging environment as the eldest son of 18 children in an impoverished household. His difficult upbringing and encounters with poverty have shaped his understanding of economic hardship.
As he reflected on his childhood, LePage recounted the struggles he faced, including running away from an abusive home at the age of 11. After living on the streets and finding various odd jobs, he eventually graduated from high school and college, demonstrating resilience throughout his early years.
Years later, LePage established himself as a successful businessman before entering politics, serving on the Waterville City Council and as the city’s mayor prior to his election as governor.
A New Vision for Maine
As he embarks on his campaign for the House, LePage’s personal history adds a unique dimension to his political platform. He argues for the need to help people escape poverty rather than remaining in it. He feels there are many programs that could be implemented to uplift those in need.
In a society that often seems to perpetuate cycles of poverty, LePage aims to bring a vision to Maine that fosters opportunity and growth. His return to politics, influenced by both Trump’s leadership and his personal struggles, sets the stage for a potentially transformative election cycle in the Second Congressional District.
