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Paul LePage files to run for Maine’s swing 2nd District

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Paul LePage files to run for Maine’s swing 2nd District


AUGUSTA, Maine — Former Gov. Paul LePage filed for the 2026 race for the 2nd Congressional District late Sunday, setting up a potential contest between the Republican and Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden in the conservative-leaning area.

The former governor has been mostly a Florida resident since leaving the Blaine House due to term limits in 2019. He was at a Machias restaurant for dinner on Sunday. David Whitney, a member of the Republican National Committee, posted that LePage will make a Monday announcement. He officially filed paperwork to run after 9 p.m. Sunday.

“More to say tomorrow,” LePage strategist Brent Littlefield said in a text message just before the filing.

A political comeback for the 76-year-old LePage seemed unthinkable after he dejectedly walked out of his campaign watch party without taking questions from reporters after losing to Democratic Gov. Janet Mills in 2022. But his plans to run for the 2nd District leaked from behind the scenes of Maine Republican politics this winter.

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He will step into one of the country’s most competitive races. Golden is considering a run to replace the term-limited Mills after holding his seat by less than 3,000 votes over Republican Austin Theriault in 2024. Republicans would be heavily favored to flip the seat if Golden vacated it, with no obvious Democratic candidate waiting in the wings.

LePage will have major questions to answer in kicking off his comeback. He was still a registered Florida voter as of Sunday evening. He would be one of the oldest freshman congressmen in history. He was also a career CEO before winning a fractured 2010 race to become governor, smashing a veto record while often warring with legislators in both parties.

It’s also unclear how he fits into Trump’s remade party. He was one of Trump’s earliest establishment supporters in 2016. Four years later, he aped the president’s false claims of a stolen election. But he said Trump’s denialism hurt Republicans during the 2022 election, telling a party activist in an interview two years ago that he was a “major factor” in losses that year.

LePage is still revered in Maine’s Trump-friendly grassroots. Neither Theriault nor state Rep. Mike Soboleski, R-Phillips, have ruled out 2026 runs. But the former governor’s entry likely makes it difficult for other candidates to gain traction barring an unlikely intervention by Trump or national Republicans.



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Maine

We Are the Watershed call for art

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We Are the Watershed call for art


A collective of environmental, arts and Indigenous-led organizations is collaborating to produce We Are the Watershed, a two-day event aimed at reconnecting humans with nature and revitalizing the health of waterways, estuaries, and the bay in Peskotomuhkatikuk (traditional Passamaquoddy territory). Events, including theatrical performances, music, culinary experiences and an exhibition of submitted artwork, will be held on May 1 and 2 at Eastport Arts Center (EAC). A publication of written and visual works will also be released with proceeds to support conservation efforts and spreading awareness of their impacts.

Submissions sought:
Written and visual works are currently sought from artists and creatives on both sides of the border across Peskotomuhkatikuk for the publication, which will be sold by donation at the May event. Proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to related community-building efforts, public engagement, and continued restoration efforts. The deadline for digital submission for the publication is April 1.

Physical works can be dropped off at EAC Sunday, April 26 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to be a part of the exhibition, which will run May 1 through 15. Artists under 18 will receive 100% of the proceeds if they opt to put their pieces up for sale during the exhibit, which will run May 1 through May 15. Artists over 18 will receive 70% of the proceeds with the remainder going toward promoting awareness of and supporting conservation efforts for the Passamaquoddy Bay.


The Eastport Arts Center

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Every week through Apr 01, 2026.
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Event Supported By

Eastport Arts Center

(207) 853-4650

info@eastportartscenter.org

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Maine

NEWS CENTER Maine

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NEWS CENTER Maine
Through in-depth storytelling, through direct contact on digital on social platforms, through long-standing community service programs like Coats & Toys for Kids, Project Heat and Buddy to Buddy, NEWS CENTER Maine is dedicated to keeping Mainers connected. We can’t do it alone, though. Only by listening and interacting with YOU can we continue to connect ALL Mainers.



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Suspect arrested in murder of Robert Fuller, Jr., Maine attorney and philanthropist

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Suspect arrested in murder of Robert Fuller, Jr., Maine attorney and philanthropist


Police in Maryland have charged a suspect with first-degree murder in the shooting death of 87-year-old Robert Fuller Jr., a former Maine attorney and philanthropist, inside his senior living apartment in Gaithersburg on Valentine’s Day.

Authorities said the suspect is 22-year-old Maurquise Emilio James, a med tech at the facility where Fuller lived.

Montgomery County Department of Police.

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Police say 22-year-old Maurise Emilio James is charged with murder in the death of Robert Fuller, Jr.

At a press conference Wednesday, detectives said they reviewed surveillance video from the facility showing James near a door that’s alarm was deactivated. A video clip released of the suspect walking in the courtyard of the facility generated tips that helped to identify James.

Early February 24, Maryland State Police conducted a traffic stop of a sedan without tags. Police said the driver fired at the trooper. The officer was not seriously injured.

Investigators said evidence collected at the scene included at least one 9mm shell casing that indicated the same gun was used in both the shooting of Fuller and the incident involving the trooper.

No motive has been given.

Fuller practiced law in Maine for more than 35 years and supported many institutions in the Augusta area.

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