AUGUSTA — An Army veteran from East Machias is challenging former Gov. Paul LePage for the Republican nomination in the 2nd Congressional District.

James L. Clark, 53, is the latest entrant into what’s expected to be a growing field of candidates for the state’s large, rural congressional district. He’s challenging LePage, the former two term governor who announced his run in May.Back then, U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat, was expected to seek reelection. But last month, he said he was dropping out amid growing partisan tensions in Washington and concerns for the safety of his family.

In response to written questions from Spectrum News, Clark said he’s not a politician and that his military background and humanitarian work have prepared him well to represent Maine in Congress.

“What I see now is division, frustration, and people feeling ignored,” he said. “I’m running to bring the voices of real Mainers from places like Washington County to Washington DC.” 

So far, Clark and LePage are the only two who have registered to run in the June primary for the GOP nomination. When asked about facing LePage, a well-known opponent, Clark said he wants to give voters a choice.

“No one’s entitled to a seat because they’ve held office before or have name recognition,” he said. “Voters deserve a choice. I’m offering a different voice, a different background, and a commitment to listening first.”

At this point, three Democrats are lined up to compete in their own primary: State Auditor Matt Dunlap, former congressional staffer Jordan Wood and former Kennebec County Democratic Committee Secretary Louis Sigel.

More Democrats are rumored to be considering a run. 

Although Golden won election to the district four times, voters there also supported President Donald Trump over Democratic opponents in the last three election cycles.

Clark states on his campaign website that he will serve only three terms, won’t trade stocks while in office and will “never vote for bills I’ve not read.”

“From fishing towns to farm country, people across the political spectrum tell me the same thing: they’re being squeezed by rising costs, housing shortages, healthcare gaps and jobs leaving the state,” Clark said. “These aren’t partisan issues — they’re people issues.”