Paul LePage’s Comeback: Trump Ally Targets Maine Congress Seat in 2026

LEWISTON, MAINE - At 76, former Maine Gov. Paul LePage is staging a political comeback, driven by his allegiance to President Donald Trump and a desire to tackle the nation’s spiraling debt. In an exclusive interview, LePage announced his bid for Maine’s Second Congressional District, a rural swing seat the GOP is eager to flip in the 2026 midterms.

“I never thought I’d head to Washington, but Trump’s focus on the debt crisis changed my mind,” LePage said, referencing the staggering $36.2 trillion national debt. A longtime Trump ally, LePage endorsed him early in 2016, famously quipping, “I was Trump before Trump was cool.” His blunt style and blue-collar appeal won him two terms as governor in a blue-leaning state.

LePage, who briefly retired to Florida after his 2019 term, returned to challenge Gov. Janet Mills in 2022, losing but carrying the 2nd District. Now, he’s taking on Rep. Jared Golden, a moderate Democrat who barely held the seat in 2024. Trump’s consistent wins in the district—by 9, 7, and 10 points in past elections—give LePage confidence.

Beyond debt, LePage is fired up about cultural issues, particularly what he calls the “woke environment.” He met with student Cassidy Carlisle, who’s fighting male participation in girls’ sports, and vowed to address such concerns in Congress. Border security and tariffs are also on his radar, despite short-term economic pain. “Tariffs will fix trade and lower taxes,” he insisted.

LePage’s roots in Lewiston, where he overcame a brutal childhood of poverty and abuse, shape his mission. “Society keeps people in poverty instead of lifting them out,” he said, drawing from his journey from street kid to successful businessman and politician.

As the 2026 race heats up, LePage’s brash style and Trump ties make this contest one to watch.