FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2026
Contact: Lauryn Fanguen, lfanguen@mainedems.org, 240-354-2571
GOP Gubernatorial Candidates Continue Racing to the Right
Augusta, Maine — Tonight, Jonathan Bush, David Jones, Jim Libby, Owen McCarthy, Garrett Mason, Ben Midgley, and Robert Wessels participated in a Republican gubernatorial debate in Old Orchard Beach.
Maine Democratic Party executive director Devon Murphy-Anderson released the following statement:
“Tonight’s debate made the stakes in the governor’s race painfully clear. Every Republican candidate on stage embraced an extreme MAGA agenda that would take Maine backward. Instead of offering real solutions for families struggling with the rising cost of living, we heard a Trump love fest, Republican infighting, and political posturing. We deserve a governor focused on lowering costs and protecting our health care — not MAGA extremists fighting for Donald Trump’s approval.”
STAND OUT MOMENT: Garrett Mason was once again forced to answer for his reliance on a MAGA, anti-choice Illinois billionaire–funded PAC propping up his campaign. In a heated exchange with David Jones, Mason leaned into the support, bragging that it proves his conservative credentials. Jones quickly shot back, saying Mason is unfit for governor and the two candidates fired rebuttals for several rounds.
NOTICEABLY ABSENT: While not groveling for Donald Trump’s blessing on stage tonight, Bobby Charles was in DC appealing to Trump’s team directly.
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