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Young Entrepreneur Shocks Maine Politics with Governor Bid

Young Entrepreneur Ben Midgley Launches Unexpected Bid for Maine Governor

In a surprising development that has sent ripples through Maine’s political landscape, 28-year-old entrepreneur Ben Midgley announced his candidacy for governor on August 5th. The announcement, made via a video released online and followed by a small gathering of supporters in Portland, positions Midgley as an independent challenger to the established Democratic incumbent, Governor Janet Mills, and Republican candidate Paul LePage, who is seeking a return to office after previously serving two terms.

Midgley’s entry into the race represents a significant shift – he's not a career politician. He built his reputation in the business world, founding Curaleaf Maine, a cannabis company, at just 22 years old. While acknowledging the controversy surrounding the industry, Midgley has consistently emphasized the economic benefits and job creation that legal cannabis brings to the state. This experience, he argues, provides him with a unique perspective on navigating complex regulatory environments and fostering sustainable growth – qualities he believes are desperately needed in Maine’s leadership.

The core of Midgley's campaign message revolves around revitalizing Maine’s economy, particularly focusing on supporting small businesses and attracting new industries beyond tourism. He criticizes the current administration for what he perceives as an overly cautious approach to economic development, arguing that it has stifled innovation and driven young people out of the state in search of opportunity. He specifically highlighted concerns about the high cost of living, especially housing, and the challenges faced by Maine’s working class families.

Midgley's platform isn't solely focused on economics. He addressed several key social issues during his announcement, though with a generally pragmatic approach. On education, he advocated for increased vocational training opportunities alongside traditional academic pathways, believing that preparing students for skilled trades is crucial to addressing workforce shortages and boosting the economy. He expressed support for affordable healthcare access but didn’t detail specific policy proposals beyond emphasizing the need for innovative solutions and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

Regarding environmental concerns – a significant issue in Maine – Midgley acknowledged the importance of protecting the state's natural resources while also recognizing the need to balance conservation with economic development. He suggested exploring renewable energy sources, particularly offshore wind power, but stressed that any initiatives must be carefully considered to minimize negative impacts on fishing industries and coastal communities. He positioned himself as a proponent of “responsible stewardship,” rather than radical environmental policies.

The video announcement itself was professionally produced, showcasing Midgley’s youthful energy and presenting him as an approachable alternative to the established political figures. It featured testimonials from individuals who have benefited from Curaleaf Maine's operations, highlighting job creation and community investment. This strategy aims to portray Midgley not just as a businessman but as someone genuinely invested in the well-being of Mainers.

While Midgley’s campaign is undeniably an underdog effort against two seasoned politicians with established name recognition and fundraising networks, his announcement has generated considerable buzz. Political analysts suggest that he could potentially siphon off votes from both Mills and LePage, particularly among younger voters and independent-minded citizens who are disillusioned with the traditional political system. His appeal lies in presenting himself as an outsider – someone untainted by partisan politics and committed to finding practical solutions to Maine’s challenges.

The campaign faces significant hurdles. Midgley will need to rapidly build a robust fundraising operation, expand his outreach beyond Portland, and effectively counter criticisms regarding his involvement in the cannabis industry. LePage's camp is likely to attack him on this front, while Mills may attempt to portray him as inexperienced and lacking the necessary qualifications for executive leadership.

However, Midgley’s early momentum suggests that he intends to run a competitive campaign. He has already assembled a team of advisors and volunteers, and his social media presence indicates a sophisticated digital strategy aimed at engaging with voters online. The question now is whether this unconventional candidate can translate initial enthusiasm into sustained support and ultimately challenge the dominance of Maine’s established political figures in November. His entrance injects an element of unpredictability into what was shaping up to be a familiar gubernatorial race, and will undoubtedly force both Mills and LePage to re-evaluate their strategies as they navigate this unexpected new dynamic.

Read the Full WABI-TV Article at:
[ https://www.wabi.tv/2025/08/05/ben-midgley-announces-run-maine-governor/ ]