At a Glance
- Paul LePage files for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District race
- Democrat Rep. Jared Golden may run for governor in 2026
- LePage’s campaign focuses on cutting spending, defending Medicare and gun rights
- Former governor returns to Maine from Florida post-2022 loss
- Republicans see the district as a top flip opportunity
LePage’s Congressional Bid
Former Maine Governor Paul LePage has filed to run for Congress in 2026, launching a high-profile bid for the 2nd Congressional District—a potential battleground if incumbent Democrat Jared Golden vacates the seat for a gubernatorial run. LePage confirmed his candidacy on May 4, stating, “We need more straight talk to help take back Washington… I am running to serve the people of Maine and help the President fix Washington.”
LePage, known for his outspoken conservative style and staunch support for former President Donald Trump, framed his return as a mission to “cut wasteful spending,” protect entitlements, and oppose “extreme woke policies.” After losing the 2022 gubernatorial race to Janet Mills, LePage had returned to Florida, before recently reestablishing residence in Maine to reenter public life.
Watch a profile on LePage’s political return at LePage expected to run for Congress.
Strategic Opportunity and GOP Optimism
The timing of LePage’s announcement coincides with increased speculation about Jared Golden’s future. Golden is widely rumored to be considering a 2026 run for governor, a move that would leave the seat open. Political strategists see Maine’s 2nd District as one of the most competitive in the nation, and Republicans are eager to flip it.
Brent Littlefield, a longtime LePage strategist, teased that there’s “more to say tomorrow,” hinting at a rollout of campaign infrastructure and policy detail. Republican National Committee member David Whitney suggested that LePage’s mix of gubernatorial experience and business background positions him as a “common sense conservative” ready to win back rural and working-class voters.
Campaign Themes and Political Contrast
LePage’s message touches on familiar themes: economic hardship, rural hospital funding, inflation pain, and cultural flashpoints. “We need leaders who know the 2nd Amendment is not just words on a paper,” he said in his announcement statement. His populist tone emphasizes lived experience over political polish—a contrast he’s likely to draw repeatedly against Golden or any successor Democratic candidate.
Having previously said he was “done with politics” following his 2022 defeat, LePage’s reentry suggests he sees the current climate—and Trump’s return—as a political opportunity. Whether voters in Maine’s 2nd agree remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: LePage has never been one to shy away from a fight.
