A NEW DIRECTION FOR MAINE
Why I'm Running for Governor
I’m from Patten, Maine, a small town where people value hard work, treat each other with respect, and understand that when something’s broken, you roll up your sleeves and fix it. Growing up as the son of a third-generation logger and a second-generation lunch lady, I learned that real leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about showing up, solving problems, and helping others succeed.
It never occurred to me that I didn’t have a lot, because I always felt I had everything I needed to succeed, with nothing standing in my way. Now, as a father to Oliver and Theo, I’m driven to ensure the next generation has the same opportunities I did. But when I look at Maine today, after six years of one-party rule in Augusta, I worry that even working hard and playing by the rules is no longer enough.
The facts are clear. The cost of living is spiraling out of control. We pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation to fund schools whose performance has dropped from among the best to nearly the worst. For too many Mainers, homeownership has shifted from the American Dream to merely a dream. Our state is aging rapidly as young people leave in search of better opportunities elsewhere. Meanwhile, a devastating drug crisis continues to plague communities across our state, particularly in rural areas where the hope and optimism I once felt are now fading for many.
Yet, I know firsthand that talent and potential exist in every corner of Maine, often unseen and untapped. I’m a political outsider, an engineer, and a businessperson. People like me focus on solving problems and thinking outside the box, and that’s exactly what Maine needs right now.
I’m exploring running for governor as a Republican because I believe in a Maine that invests in our greatest resource: our people. To move forward, we must harness our competitive strengths, cultivating an economy driven by innovation, talent, and local determination. It’s time to ignite a virtuous cycle of talent and opportunity, ensuring Maine families aren’t left behind in the ongoing technological revolution.
We must reimagine our state as more than just a vacationland for the wealthy. Maine should be a place where our people can live, work, and prosper. A place where whether you grew up in a double-wide on the outskirts of Portland or a trailer off a dirt driveway in Patten, you can use your God-given talents to reach your highest potential with no one standing in the way.
Building this future requires leadership focused on action, not headlines. My career has been dedicated to tackling significant challenges in healthcare and education, turning scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions, creating high-quality jobs, and expanding opportunities for rural youth.
As I consider launching this campaign, I’m committed to listening and learning about your challenges, your goals, and your ideas. For me, a run for governor isn’t just about highlighting what’s gone wrong – it’s about championing what I know is possible when we invest in Mainers and provide our children and grandchildren the opportunities their talents deserve.
Let’s get to work!
Contact us at [email protected]
By providing your phone number and checking the box, you are consenting to receive polling/voting text messages (e.g., election reminders, opinion polls) and public service announcement text messages (e.g., legislative updates, member updates, and voter education) from Owen for Maine at the number provided, including messages sent by autodialer. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe. See our Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions.
