Republican CD2 candidate backed by 50 current and former Maine politicians

May 09, 2024 | 12:59 pm ET

By AnnMarie Hilton

Republican CD2 candidate backed by 50 current and former Maine politicians

The Maine state flag flies outside the State House in Augusta. (Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Maine Rep. Mike Soboleski, a Republican running to represent the 2nd Congressional District, announced Thursday that he has been endorsed by more than 50 current and former state politicians.

“Over my 30 years in and out of the Legislature, I see Mike Soboleski as one of the most valued members of the Legislature,” said Rep. Dick Campbell (R-Orrington), who will chair a coalition of the endorsers. “As my seatmate on the floor of the House and serving on the Environment and Natural Resources committee, we deal with major issues. Mike identifies issues early, searches for solutions and takes action like no other legislator.”

Soboleski will face Maine House of Representatives colleague Austin Theriault, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, in a primary on June 11. The winner of that election will take on Democratic incumbent Jared Golden in November.

Here’s where GOP candidates for Maine’s 2nd District stand on key election issues

In a news release from Soboleski’s campaign, Campbell also praised his colleague for his efforts to curtail a rule to bring more zero-emission vehicles to Maine that the Board of Environmental Protection failed to pass earlier this year.

In addition to his work against the emissions bill, Soboleski’s campaign has highlighted his stance on specific issues including supporting veterans acclimating back to civilian life, funding the Veterans Administration, and opposing gun safe reforms. During a televised debate last week, Soboleski said his first priority if elected would be to take action against Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former chief medical advisor to the president, for his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcement of the coalition also comes with an endorsement from Dale Crafts, the former Republican 2nd District nominee who lost to Golden in 2020, who said he has “no doubt” Soboleski will bring an effective, tireless work ethic to Washington, D.C., and “be a great congressman.”

“As a Marine I learned that duty and honor are what makes a man. I learned that being part of something bigger than yourself is what service is all about, and facing adversity with toughness, integrity and hard work is how you get through life,” Soboleski said. “It’s both humbling and inspiring to receive such overwhelming support from elected leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving our Maine communities.”

Others in the coalition include: