LePage Eyes House Seat, Fueled by Trump and Fiscal Concerns

LEWISTON, MAINE – In an exclusive interview, former Maine Governor Paul LePage announced his intention to run for the House of Representatives in Maine’s Second Congressional District. The two-term governor, who previously declared an end to his political career, cited President Donald Trump and concerns over the national debt as key motivators for his return to the political arena.

LePage is targeting the Second Congressional District, a swing seat that Republicans are eager to flip in the 2026 midterm elections. The race is expected to be closely watched as Republicans seek to maintain their narrow majority in the House.

"I never, ever had any aspirations to go to Washington until now," LePage stated, emphasizing the significance of the current political climate in his decision. He believes he can be a valuable asset in addressing the nation’s fiscal challenges.

Trump’s Influence and a Call to Action

LePage openly expressed his support for President Trump’s approach to tackling the national debt. "Donald Trump, I think, is doing what is necessary in addressing the debt this country is facing. And I think that’s a big, big thing for me," he explained, underscoring the importance of fiscal responsibility as a driving force behind his candidacy.

Highlighting his established relationship with the former president, LePage stated, "I have a friend in the White House right now. I know President Trump. I think I can have an audience of President Trump. I know several of his secretaries very well. And so I think this is a good time. It’s a good time for me to go help."

LePage was an early and vocal supporter of Trump during his initial presidential campaign, quipping at the time, "I was Donald Trump before Donald Trump became popular."

A Return to Maine Politics

After leaving office in 2019 and briefly residing in Florida, LePage re-established his residency in Maine and challenged incumbent Democratic Governor Janet Mills in the 2022 election. While he lost the gubernatorial race by a significant margin, he carried the Second Congressional District, demonstrating his continued appeal to voters in the region.

The Battleground: Maine’s Second Congressional District

The Second Congressional District is currently represented by Moderate Democrat Jared Golden, a U.S. Marine veteran. Golden has held the seat since 2018 and has often taken positions that diverge from his party’s mainstream. He secured re-election by a slim margin in the last election, indicating the district’s competitive nature.

The district is the second-most rural in the U.S. and the largest east of the Mississippi River. It has a history of supporting Trump, who won the district in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential elections. Maine, along with Nebraska, allocates its electoral votes partially by congressional district, awarding Trump an electoral vote from the Second District each time.

Golden’s Perspective and Democratic Opposition

Responding to LePage’s announcement, Golden remarked, "I thought Paul was doing his best work in retirement." Golden’s future political plans remain uncertain, as he has not yet announced whether he will seek re-election or pursue a Senate seat or the open governor’s office.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) swiftly criticized LePage’s record as governor. "Paul LePage’s time in office was defined by his obsession with blocking Mainers’ ability to receive quality health care, opposing Medicaid expansion at every possible opportunity," stated DCCC national press secretary Viet Shelton. "At a time when Republicans in Congress are pushing the largest cut to Medicaid in history, Mainers can’t afford LePage’s crusade to rip health care away from people."

Debt, "Woke" Culture, and Border Security

LePage reiterated that the national debt is a primary concern motivating his return to politics. He expressed worry for future generations and his belief that Trump is willing to address the issue.

Beyond fiscal matters, LePage also voiced concerns about the rise of what he termed the "woke environment" in the country. "The other thing that is really big is what’s happening in our country with the woke environment. I think I want to be there to help clean that up if we can. Having boys play in girls sports is really sad." He recently met with a Maine student who he described as "the courageous young woman fighting unfair male competition in girls’ sports.”

Addressing border security, an issue particularly relevant given Maine’s border with Canada, LePage confirmed it would be a major focus of his campaign. He also defended President Trump’s tariffs on international trade, arguing that they would ultimately benefit the U.S. economy.

LePage’s Background and Political Philosophy

LePage’s personal history has shaped his political views and approach. Growing up in poverty with an alcoholic and abusive father, he ran away from home at age 11 and lived on the streets before finding work and eventually attending college.

He went on to a successful business career, including leading Maine-based discount store chain Mardens Surplus and Salvage. He entered politics, serving on the Waterville city council and later as mayor.

LePage believes his experiences give him a unique understanding of the challenges faced by those living in poverty. "Unfortunately, the mentality in the current society is not to help people get out of poverty, but it’s to keep them in poverty," he said. "I want to help get them out of poverty. I think there are so many programs that we can institute that will elevate people in poverty, rather than keep them."