Former GOP firebrand governor eyeing run for Congress in key swing district

A Potential Comeback for Paul LePage
Paul LePage, a two-term Republican governor of Maine, is reportedly considering a run for Congress in 2026. According to a source who spoke to Fox News, LePage is mulling a bid for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, a sprawling, mostly rural area that covers about 80% of the state’s land area. This district is notable for being the largest congressional district east of the Mississippi River. Currently, the seat is held by Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, a Marine veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Golden, a moderate Democrat, often finds himself at odds with his party’s leadership, which could make the race competitive if LePage decides to run.

LePage, first elected as governor in 2010 and re-elected in 2014, is no stranger to controversy. Known for his blunt and sometimes divisive remarks, he has built a reputation as a conservative firebrand. He famously claimed, “I was Donald Trump before Donald Trump became popular,” reflecting his alignment with the former president’s style and policies. LePage’s tenure as governor ended in 2018 due to term limits, but he attempted a political comeback in 2022, losing the gubernatorial race to Democratic Gov. Janet Mills. Now, he appears to be eyeing a return to public office, this time in Congress.

Maine’s 2nd Congressional District: A Key Battleground
Maine’s 2nd Congressional District is a politically significant region that has trended Republican in recent presidential elections. In 2016, 2020, and even 2024, Donald Trump won the district’s single electoral vote, which Maine awards separately from its other congressional district. This makes the 2nd District a rare bright spot for Republicans in a state that has otherwise leaned Democratic in recent years.

The district’s vast, rural landscape and its conservative-leaning voters could make it a natural fit for LePage, who has historically performed well in rural areas. However, the seat is currently held by Jared Golden, a moderate Democrat who has managed to carve out a niche for himself in a politically diverse district. Golden’s ability to win re-election in 2022 by a narrow margin suggests that the district remains competitive, and a LePage candidacy could put the seat firmly in play for Republicans in 2026.

Jared Golden: A Moderate Democrat in a Competitive Seat
Jared Golden, the incumbent Democrat in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, has built a reputation as a pragmatic lawmaker who often splits with his party’s leadership. His moderate stance has allowed him to connect with voters in a district that leans conservative compared to the rest of Maine. Golden’s military background as a Marine veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq has also helped him build credibility with voters in a region with a strong tradition of military service.

Despite his moderate image, Golden faces challenges in holding onto the seat, particularly given the district’s recent voting history. His narrow re-election victory in 2022 highlighted the competitiveness of the district, and speculation is growing that he may consider a gubernatorial run in 2026, when Gov. Janet Mills is term-limited. If Golden were to vacate the seat, it would create an open race that could be highly competitive, especially if LePage enters the fray.

Paul LePage’s Political History and Style
Paul LePage’s political career has been marked by both accomplishments and controversy. During his time as governor, he became known for his brash, no-holds-barred style, which endeared him to conservatives but often put him at odds with Democrats and even some Republicans. LePage’s tenure was defined by his efforts to cut taxes, reduce government spending, and reform welfare programs, policies that resonated with his base but drew criticism from opponents.

LePage’s connection to Donald Trump is well-documented, and he has often been described as a precursor to the former president’s populist, anti-establishment movement. His tendency to speak his mind, sometimes to the point of stirring controversy, has made him a polarizing figure in Maine politics. While this style has alienated some voters, it has also helped him maintain a