AUGUSTA — Second Congressional District Republican candidate Paul LePage cast his ballot at City Hall Thursday, taking advantage of early voting like thousands of other Mainers.

The former two-term governor and Augusta resident made brief comments to reporters after leaving the voting booth.

“Please vote,” he said. “This is the most important election that you’ll see in the United States of America for decades to come.”

Earlier this week, LePage’s opponent, Democrat Matt Dunlap, criticized LePage for living part of the year in Florida. 

“Representing Maine is a full-time responsibility, not a seasonal job,” Dunlap said. “Families here deal with brutal winters, soaring heating bills, rising grocery prices, and threats to their healthcare.”

At a debate last week, LePage described himself as a “snowbird.”

“Yes, I’m a snowbird,” he said. “At my age, I don’t like snow anymore. I don’t ski anymore. I’ve got knee problems.”

LePage, who is 78, added that he also no longer plays hockey and said “so yes, in the winter months we go to Florida. I have never been in Florida a whole year.” 

Republicans are counting on LePage to flip the 2nd District from Democrat to Republican following the retirement of U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has been to Maine twice in recent months to boost the LePage campaign, while Dunlap has raised questions about LePage’s record as governor in a bid to keep him from higher office.

As he walked out of city hall, a reporter asked LePage if he’s confident of a win.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I leave it up to the Almighty to decide who’s the best candidate.” 

Early voting ends Oct. 29 and Election Day is Nov. 3.