Former Maine's Gov. Paul LePage, Trump's BFF, Jumps into Congress Bid
Former Governor Paul LePage, a longtime ally of Donald Trump and a Republican, is seeking a return to politics.
In a no-holds-barred exclusive interview with our site, the outspoken, ex-two-term Maine governor, Paul LePage, spills the beans on his political comeback at 76, with Trump as his main motivation.
LEWISTON, MAINE - EXCLUSIVE - With a jovial grin, former Maine governor Paul LePage declares that his old pal Trump is the driving force behind resurrecting his political career. He's tossing his hat in the ring for House in Maine's Second Congressional District, a hotly contested seat the GOP eyes to flip in the 2026 midterms.
"I never thought about Washington till now,” LePage confesses, sipping his morning java in his hometown. "Trump's got this country's debt thing tackled proper, and that's a big thing for me."
Let's hear it for the Wingman: A Candidate's Tribute
LePage, known for his brashness and plain-speaking style, gained Trump's endorsement long before The Donald was a household name. "I was Trump before Trump was trendy," LePage quipped back when he first endorsed the president.
As a staunch Republican governor who won that deep-blue state twice, LePage was no stranger to controversy. Nevertheless, his confrontational approach resonated with struggling blue-collar workers - much like Trump did.
Retirement, Schmetirement!
After completing his two terms in 2019, LePage and his wife, Ann, traded Maine for Florida's sunshine. "Politics, I'm done. I've had my eight years, got a new chapter," LePage stated at the time.
But in 2020, LePage returned to Maine, setting the stage for a potential rematch with his successor, the Democratic governor, Janet Mills. Despite losing the 2022 gubernatorial race against Mills, LePage ran strong in the 2nd Congressional District, hinting at his 2026 ambitions.
Target Me, Golden Boy!
Moderate Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, a U.S. Marine veteran known for his bipartisan work, has held the seat since winning it in 2018. Though Golden won reelection by a hair's breadth in 2022, Trump carried the district by significant margins in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential races.
Golden, quite the sportsman, hasn't officially announced whether he'll run again in 2026 or aim for the open governor's seat or the state's Senate seat. Meanwhile, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) singled LePage out for his medication-resistant opposition to Medicaid expansion.
The Debt Debacle and Fighting Woke
LePage's primary focus? The nation's ballooning debt. "We need to focus on cutting spending and tackling this debt, and I believe Trump is the man to help do it," LePage revealed. He also wants to challenge the so-called "woke environment," stating, "Encouraging boys to play in girls' sports is pure bullshit!"
Border Patrol and Economic Protection
When asked about his stance on border security and trade tariffs, LePage went on the offensive. "Yeah, I back the tariffs. They'll save our trade and lower taxes." Though they might cause short-term pain, the former governor maintains that they'll lead to long-term gains.
Childhood Struggles and Empowerment
LePage toured the sites of his childhood in Lewiston, sharing harrowing tales of a violent, alcoholic father and the challenges he faced growing up. "My childhood was a rough ride," he admitted, "but it taught me the importance of showing empathy to people struggling in poverty." Inspired, he hopes to focus on policies that empower the disadvantaged rather than trapping them.
Stay Connected to our site for more updates on LePage's campaign as things unfold!
- Paul LePage, the former governor of Maine, has announced his intention to run for the House of Representatives in Maine's Second Congressional District, aiming to flip the seat in the 2026 midterms.
- LePage's decision to run for political office stems from his admiration for President Trump's handling of the nation's debt, expressing his belief that Trump is the right person to address the debt issue.
- As a Republican, LePage is known for his brashness and plain-speaking style, and he gained Trump's endorsement long before Trump became a household name.
- In the 2024 presidential race, Donald Trump carried Maine's Second Congressional District, setting the stage for LePage's potential bid.
- The Democratic incumbent for Maine's Second Congressional District, Jared Golden, has not announced his plans for the 2026 election, but the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has already highlighted LePage's opposition to Medicaid expansion.
