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David Whitney is the Maine GOP national committeeman, chair of the Washington County Republican Committee, and ME GOP grassroots chair.
The 2026 Maine GOP State Convention was one of the most incredible Republican events I have had the privilege of witnessing. New and returning delegates alike told me and the Maine GOP staff that the energy inside the Augusta Civic Center was unmatched and incredibly motivating for the long road to Election Day in November. I believe Mainers are tired of over-taxation, excessive spending, unhinged fraud, and Maine Republicans are going to Make Maine Great Again.
The booth walkways were swarming with eager Republicans the entire convention. We had campaign booths, county committee tables, conservative activist groups, and even a podcast studio lining the seats on the convention floor. Delegates spent the day hearing candidate speeches, passionately debating and conversing the essential official framework of our party, and catching up with new and old friends. Timber Creek Band provided thrilling and upbeat music to set the tone for success.
Before the convention even “officially” began, I was ecstatic to see a full-day candidate training happening on Thursday afternoon. The Maine Republican Party has over 175 candidates ranging from Kittery to Caribou and from state representative to U.S. Senate and governor. Additionally, the Maine Republican Party hosted a Sword of Truth Luncheon and a strategy session panel luncheon with political experts from around the country and attendees were equipped with the knowledge necessary to deliver results in their campaigns.
There is a seven-way Republican primary for governor and a two-way primary for Maine’s 1st Congressional District, but it is basically insignificant compared to the unity the Maine GOP has headed towards in June. Whoever wins the primary, we are excited and ready to get them across the finish line in November. I think the GOP bench for state races in Maine can out work the nepo-baby, career politicians that sit on the Democrat courtside any day. Many convention attendees expressed confidence that regardless of the primary outcome, the nominee has the strength and character to serve as Maine’s governor.
While Maine Democrats argue their support for the Nazi-tattooed, left-wing activist Graham Platner, we rallied behind Sen. Susan Collins, who we believe consistently delivers for Maine people.
Collins and 2nd District candidate Paul LePage both recognized the dedication of each other and their excitement to represent Maine in Washington, D.C. together. Collins called out the extreme leftist stances of her opponent Graham Platner, and also of Democratic Senate leader, Chuck Schumer.
Former governor LePage returned to the stage and highlighted the difficult road he walked to achieve the American dream (without handouts) and how he came to serve as Maine’s governor. He outlined his beliefs as a candidate, such as support for voter ID, Social Security, Medicare, supporting military members and veterans, and most of all, his resolve to fight for Mainers.
At the end of convention, as Maine Republicans got ready to return to their respective counties, the chairman, Jim Deyermond had a rallying call to action.
The Maine Republican Party in partnership with the Republican National Committee launched our Neighborhood Navigators program, which will equip local leaders with the resources they need to inform and engage their friends, family, and neighbors with political campaigns specific to their region.
The Maine Republican Party was one of the first states in the Northeast region to respond to the assignment from the RNC to build a grassroots-based get-out-the-vote operation. Maine Republican Party staff are now solidifying their field staff ahead of the busy summer election season.
Many Maine residents are reaching the end of their financial rope because of unnecessary barriers imposed by Democratic policymakers. Policies that restrict business and endanger the rights of Americans are not “for the people,” and I believe they deserve to be repealed by a Republican majority.
