AUGUSTA — A Republican business owner from Falmouth is the latest entrant into the 2026 race for governor.

David Jones, owner of F.O. Bailey Real Estate, says he’s running to unleash opportunity for other business owners.

“Government always seems to get in the way,” Jones said Tuesday as he drove to Augusta to take out paperwork to run for office.

Jones, 69, moved to Maine 40 years ago and worked to restore commercial buildings in Bingham, according to his website. He’s also developed a retirement community and founded a commercial construction company building apartments and single-family homes.

He ran for governor in 2006 as an independent but dropped out after making the ballot. He’s never held elected office but has strong ties to the Republican Party, raising money for candidates and serving as a delegate to the national convention.

He is the second Republican to launch a run for governor, following former Bush administration official Bobby Charles. Others are expected to announce campaigns in the coming weeks.

On the Democratic side, three candidates have announced so far: Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Angus King III and former Senate President Troy Jackson.

Several candidates will compete for the open seat following eight years of Democratic Gov. Janet Mills.

For his part, Jones says Maine offers something for everyone, from lakes to ski resorts to the coastline. But as a business owner, he doesn’t believe state government is working for entrepreneurs or others who are struggling. 

“If you can’t afford gas in the car or groceries you are not free,” he said. “Let’s get government out of the way and let entrepreneurs be free.”