Maine State Rep. Mike Soboleski (R-Phillips) announced Thursday that he is officially entering the Republican primary election for a chance to challenge Democratic Rep. Jared Golden in the 2024 race for the state’s 2nd Congressional District.
“The radical policies of Joe Biden and his enabler-in-chief Jared Golden have left Maine families behind,” Rep. Soboleski said in his campaign announcement.
“Today, our southern border remains a free-for-all and a humanitarian crisis. Our parents continue to see their rights eroded, and Mainers struggle to make ends meet under the failed economic policies of Joe Biden and Jared Golden,” Soboleski said.
“After weeks talking to and listening to residents across the second district and Maine, I’ve made the decision to challenge Jared Golden,” he added. “Washington is broken, in Congress I will be a conservative fighter for Mainers.”
Soboleski, a Marine Corps veteran, 9/11 first responder, and successful small businessman is the second Republican to declare their candidacy for the 2024 race, following businessman and former Maine Senate candidate Rob Cross of Dedham, who announced his campaign in April.
Soboleski’s announcement comes as press reports suggest that another State Rep., Austin Theriault (R-Fort Kent), may be considering throwing his hat in the ring with Golden as well — who an National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) spokesperson said has the “potential to be one of the best candidates Golden has faced.”
[Correction: An earlier version of this story said Theriault would have the backing of the NRCC, this was incorrect — the NRCC has stated that Theriault has the potential to be a strong candidate against Golden, but does not get involved in primary races.]
State Rep. Laurel Libby (R-Auburn) has also been rumored to be considering a bid for the congressional seat.
Soboleski’s campaign launch came with a video advertisement entitled “Conservative Problem Solver.”
“I want the America that I grew up in, that’s what I want — and we don’t see it anymore,” Soboleski said in the video.
“People are angry, people are frustrated. They see their freedoms being eroded every day and they’re struggling to stay afloat, they’re struggling to take care of their family, and we see no relief coming down the road,” he said.
In the campaign ad Soboleski slams Golden’s support for President Joe Biden’s spending, foreign policy, and weak southern border.
“I’m running for Congress because I love this country, I love our people, I love our way of life. I love Maine so much because it’s home, this is where I was born, this is where I was raised,” Soboleski said. “I’m a lifelong conservative and a problem solver, I believe in the Constitution of the United States of America — I’ll defend our Constitution.”
“That’s why I’m running for Congress, I want to make a difference,” he said.
In addition to being a veteran, Soboleski has worked as a professional actor, with appearances in The Departed, Good Will Hunting, The Boondock Saints, National Treasure, and The Amazing Spider Man.
“…State Rep., Austin Theriault (R-Fort Kent), may be considering throwing his hat in the ring with Golden as well — with the backing of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the National Republican Congressional Committee.”
…that says all we need to know about him! Waiting for someone to please primary Susan Collins in ’26.