AUGUSTA — President Donald Trump has endorsed former Gov. Paul LePage in the race for the 2nd Congressional District, describing the governor as a “proven America First Fighter.”

“In Congress, he will work hard to Grow our Economy, Strongly Advocate for Maine’s Great Lobstermen, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Safeguard our Elections, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social.

LePage, a former two-term Republican governor, announced his run for the sprawling district in May following months of speculation. Since then, military veteran James Clark of East Machias has announced he will run against LePage in the June GOP primary.

When LePage got into the race, it was a challenge to incumbent U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, a four-term Democrat. But last month, Golden announced he would not seek reelection, citing increasing division in Washington and concerns about threats to the safety of his family. 

In an interview with Spectrum news the day after Golden dropped out, LePage condemned the threats that contributed to Golden’s decision. But he said that Golden was not a good fit for the district, noting that voters supported Trump in the last three elections.

“Jared Golden is a Democrat in a Republican seat,” LePage said. “Unfortunately, he did not represent the 2nd District the way it needs to be represented.”

At this point, three Democrats are likely to compete in their primary for the right to run for the seat in November: State Auditor Matt Dunlap, former congressional staffer Jordan Wood and former Kennebec County Democratic Committee Secretary Louis Sigel.

In response to Trump’s endorsement, LePage said he looks forward to working with the president. 

“I look forward to working with President Trump in growing our economy, increasing jobs and wages, fighting high prices, and protecting our citizens from crime with the removal of criminal illegal aliens,” LePage said in a statement.