Former Maine Senate leader joins GOP field for governor

AUGUSTA — A former state Senate majority leader announced Wednesday that he’s jumping into the June Republican primary for governor.

Garrett Mason, 40, of Lisbon Falls, is making his second bid for the state’s highest office. Mason finished second in the GOP primary in 2018.

“We need a unified Republican field that can win in November, and I believe I’m the best person to do that,” he said.

Mason is founder of Dirigo Public Affairs, a lobbying firm based in Augusta. He served in the state Senate from 2010 to 2018, serving as majority leader for four years. 

Mason said Luke Thompson, one of Vice President J.D. Vance’s top surrogates, will serve as campaign manager.

Mason joins a crowded GOP field that includes former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Bobby Charles, real estate developer David Jones of Falmouth, healthcare tech executive Jonathan Bush, state Sen. Jim Libby, businessman Owen McCarthy and former Planet Fitness CEO Ben Midgley.

Mason said he believes Mainers want their taxes reduced and a stronger focus on affordability. He said he will work to get Republicans elected to the state Legislature so the party can get things done if they win the governorship in November.

“You need somebody who can come in here that the bureaucracy is scared of, that the lobby understands, and that the people here in the Legislature know that they can work with,” he said. 

Mason is likely the final entrant into the governor’s race, joining full fields from both parties and several independents who have indicated an intention to run.

Democratic voters in the June primary will choose among former Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Nirav Shah, Angus King III, former House Speaker Hannah Pingree, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and former Senate President Troy Jackson.

Several independents have indicated they intend to run in the November election, including Sen. Rick Bennett of Oxford, Rep. Ed Crockett of Portland and retired state worker John Glowa of China.

At the State House on Wednesday, Mason pitched himself as someone who will build coalitions to get things done. 

“I’m not a wrecking ball,” he said. “I’m more of a finish carpenter than someone on a demolition crew. I know how this place works. I know the political realities that you face when you walk in the door.”