By Ben Midgley
For too many Mainers, the opportunity to achieve the American Dream is passing by. As a father of two young adults and one high schooler, I am deeply concerned about the future that lays ahead for our younger generation. Maine has gone from welcoming entrepreneurs and celebrating hard work, to a state where we tax, regulate and hold down our small businesses who struggle to succeed. We leave our people wanting for higher wages and better paying jobs because the jobs have gone elsewhere.
I have been at the bottom and know how hard it is and, what takes to climb out. I never made it out of college and there was a time in my life when I landed on unemployment, and food stamps, back when they were actually stamps that you ripped out of a booklet (almost like monopoly money).
It was the farthest away from my American Dream as I would ever be. Fast forward 30 years, I left my recent business as Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer of a billion-dollar business started from scratch that grew from no locations to 500 locations, and 15,000 jobs were created from it. I was fortunate to achieve the American Dream. It took a lot of hard work, but I know that if we give Maine people the opportunity to succeed, success will happen. Maine people have grit and ingenuity and are some of the hardest working people on earth. They don’t want things just given to them, but they do want a shot to achieve their own American Dream.
Maine must change course and that is why I am running for Governor.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve believed deeply in the importance of public service. Maine is a special place, built on hard work, perseverance, and a belief that if you put in the effort, you can make a better life for yourself and your family. I know because I’ve lived that promise.
I’ve spent my career leading businesses, balancing budgets, and making tough decisions to create opportunities and grow jobs. That experience taught me something important: leadership isn’t about sound bites, slogans, whining or protesting. Leadership is about listening, solving problems, and delivering results. Right now, Augusta needs more of that kind of leadership.
In just the first month of my campaign, I’ve traveled across the state, from York County to Aroostook County, listening to Mainers share their struggles, their hopes, and their ideas for the future. Over and over, I hear the same concerns:
The cost of living is crushing too many families. Groceries, housing, and everyday expenses keep rising, while paychecks aren’t keeping up and the State just wants to take more and more.
Energy prices are out of control. The cost of electricity is not only hurting families, but crushing our employers as well. We cannot grow our economy with the inexcusable increases.
Our schools are in deep trouble and students are suffering. One of the reasons I became politically active is because of what I saw happening in our classrooms, to our kids – the lack of focus on core learning. Our kids deserve better, and Maine parents deserve a voice in their children’s education.
When a Governor is more focused on putting boys in girls sports than preparing our kids for the future, we have lost our way.
These aren’t Republican or Democrat problems, they’re Maine problems. And I believe we can solve them, but it’s going to take strong, decisive leadership that puts people first.
I’m running because I believe Maine can be a place where everyone has a fair shot at success. A place where our kids get a world-class education, our families can afford to heat their homes, and small businesses have the freedom to grow and thrive. I’m running because I believe in the hardworking people of this state. We can make sure the future is better for Mainer’s and, continues to get better. We just need to buckle up and do the work!
Over the coming months, I’ll continue traveling the state, meeting with as many of you as I can, and laying out my plan to restore affordability, strengthen education, and grow Maine’s economy. But I’ll also keep doing what I’ve done since day one—listening. Because leadership starts by understanding the challenges people face and working together to find real solutions.
I’ve lived the American Dream, and I want to make sure every Mainer has that same
opportunity.
Ben Midgely is a Republican candidate for Governor of Maine. He has been the president and CEO of top national gym chains including Planet Fitness and Crunch Fitness. Born and riased in Maine, Midgley lives with his family in York County.
