The political landscape in Maine is set for a shift as former Governor Paul LePage announces his candidacy for Congress in the state’s 2nd District. LePage, known for his opposition to Medicaid expansion and higher minimum wage policies, aims to make a return to political office.
LePage, who served as Maine’s governor from 2011 to 2019, gained a reputation for his outspoken nature and controversial comments. After an unsuccessful bid for a third gubernatorial term in 2022, LePage has been residing in Florida. In a statement on May 5, he declared, “We need people who have and will always protect Social Security and Medicare. That’s why I’m running for Congress. I do not need a job, I’m running to protect our Maine jobs.”
During his tenure, LePage consistently opposed safety net programs, vetoing Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act six times. Despite a voter-approved referendum to expand Medicaid in 2017, LePage steadfastly refused implementation, famously asserting he would “rather go to jail” than approve it. Governor Janet Mills, who succeeded LePage, prioritized Medicaid expansion upon taking office in 2019, benefiting over 100,000 Mainers.
Medicaid expansion has provided health insurance to 24 million previously uninsured Americans, including around 22% of residents in Maine’s 2nd District. However, LePage’s persistent vetoes drew criticism. In 2018, Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01) stated, “The LePage Administration’s continued attempts to veto Maine voters is cruel and costly. By delaying Medicaid Expansion yet again, Governor LePage is leaving tens of thousands of Mainers without health care coverage and keeping millions of federal dollars out of our state.”
LePage’s campaign announcement comes amidst discussions among House Republicans regarding potential Medicaid cuts to fund tax breaks for wealthy individuals and corporations. LePage also opposed MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program, arguing it had excessive enrollees and lenient qualifications.
In addition to healthcare policies, LePage took a firm stance against increasing the minimum wage. In 2013, he vetoed a bill to raise the minimum wage from $7.50 to $9 an hour, and the following year, he proposed changes to child labor laws to allow 12-year-olds to work for $5.25 an hour. LePage also opposed a 2020 referendum to increase the minimum wage to $12 an hour, a move that would impact about 20% of workers in Maine’s 2nd District.
Throughout his political career, LePage has been no stranger to controversy, often making inflammatory remarks. In 2013, he used explicit sexual language in a dispute with state Sen. Troy Jackson, a former logger. Three years later, LePage faced accusations of racism after comments about out-of-state drug dealers and their impact on Maine communities.
Notable figures, including bestselling author Stephen King, have criticized LePage. King, who resides part-time in Maine’s 2nd District, commented in 2016, “One must admit LePage has elevated assholery to a level far past the extraordinary and into a rarified sphere that might be termed divine.”
The 2nd District is currently represented by Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, who is reportedly considering a gubernatorial run next year. Golden secured reelection in 2024 even as the district favored Donald Trump in the presidential election.
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