AUGUSTA, Maine — Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles delivered a forceful address Saturday to delegates at the Maine GOP convention, warning that the state is “in a state of peril” and pledging sweeping reforms if elected governor.
Charles opened his remarks by thanking supporters and describing attendees as “citizen warriors,” framing the political moment as one requiring courage and determination.
“This state we love is in a state of peril. There is no other word,” Charles said. “Today we need the patience to find and fix the problems, the wisdom to solve them, and the courage to pursue them fearlessly until at last we fix what has been destroyed.”
Throughout his speech, Charles repeatedly invoked themes of civic duty and historical struggle, referencing figures such as Winston Churchill and Ronald Reagan while urging Republicans to view the current political climate as a defining moment.
“Speaking bluntly, this is when we become equal to our time,” he said. “Why did those who came before us risk so much for freedom? They did not do it so that we would live under a one-party government.”
Focus on Taxes, Spending, and MaineCare
Charles outlined a wide-ranging policy agenda that included reducing state spending, cutting taxes, and restructuring MaineCare programs.
He pledged to address what he described as corruption and inefficiencies in state systems, promising to “end the corruption in MaineCare” and restore what he called affordability and access in health care.
“As we end the corruption in MaineCare, get reimbursement rates up, stop hospitals from closing, and get quality, access, and affordability back, we will have peace of mind,” Charles said.
He also proposed rolling back what he called unfunded mandates on municipalities, arguing that doing so would lower property taxes across Maine.
“As we roll back hundreds of unfunded Democrat mandates on our towns and counties, property taxes will come down across the board,” he said.
Charles cited what he described as the potential to reduce state spending by billions of dollars over four years, saying such reductions would create room for tax relief and economic growth.
Among his proposals, Charles said he would work toward eliminating the state income tax within four years and eliminating taxes on tips and overtime.
“To spur growth, we will work to eliminate the personal income tax in four years,” he said. “We’re not going to buy votes with $300 checks that cost $300 to produce.”
Welfare, Work Requirements, and Business Regulations
Charles also proposed requiring able-bodied adults without children to work a minimum number of hours to receive government-funded health care.
“We will require every able-bodied childless citizen between 18 and 65 who wants health care to work 20 hours a week,” he said. “That is called personal responsibility.”
He further pledged to reduce regulations on businesses, arguing that economic growth depends on private-sector investment rather than government expansion.
“Businesses create the jobs, not government workers,” Charles said, noting what he described as an increase in the number of state employees in recent years.
Education and Parental Authority
Education reform was another major focus of the speech. Charles argued that rising spending has not translated into improved student outcomes and pledged to shift authority back to parents and teachers.
“Schools must work, or we have failed our children,” he said. “The power to educate belongs with parents and teachers, not administrators, bureaucrats, or ideological leftists in Augusta.”
He emphasized the importance of academic fundamentals such as reading, writing, and mathematics, while warning that students without strong educational foundations face long-term challenges.
Immigration, Energy, and Law Enforcement
Charles also outlined positions related to immigration enforcement, energy policy, and public safety.
He pledged cooperation with federal agencies to enforce immigration laws and promised to support efforts targeting drug trafficking and illegal operations.
On energy, Charles said his administration would pursue policies aimed at reducing costs by expanding access to natural gas and hydropower while ending certain renewable subsidies.
“We will submit legislation to limit any governor’s emergency powers, so we never again suffer the travesty of someone shutting down our state,” he added, referencing pandemic-era shutdowns.
Leadership Experience and Closing Message
During the latter portion of his speech, Charles highlighted his military and legal background, describing his work in intelligence, law enforcement, and federal legal service.
“I have lived a life of service,” he said. “Ten years Navy intelligence, federal litigation, and assisting law enforcement in both military and civilian roles.”
Charles closed his remarks by urging supporters to remain politically active and committed to what he described as restoring accountability and trust in government.
“Ronald Reagan once said we have a rendezvous with destiny,” Charles said. “Today, in this moment, we have a rendezvous with destiny. I ask you to rise with me. Let’s meet our destiny.”
