AUGUSTA, Maine – Republican gubernatorial candidate Garrett Mason delivered a wide-ranging speech to delegates at the Maine Republican Party convention, presenting himself as a tested conservative with a legislative record and contrasting his experience with other candidates in the race.
Mason introduced himself as a husband, father, small business owner, former legislator, and lifelong Mainer before arguing that his past accomplishments set him apart from competitors seeking the party’s nomination for governor.
“When people ask me what makes me different in this race, the answer is simple,” Mason told the crowd. “I’m not a newly converted Republican, and I’m not someone who just learned how to talk like one on social media. I’m a proven conservative who has fought these fights and delivered results for you.”
Emphasizes Legislative Record and Tax Cuts
Mason pointed to his election during the 2010 Tea Party wave as a defining moment in his political career, noting that he defeated a long-serving Democratic incumbent by double digits in what had previously been considered a safe Democratic seat.
He highlighted his role in advancing tax policy, saying he is the only candidate in the race who has successfully lowered taxes while serving in office.
“I’m the only candidate in this race who has actually lowered your taxes,” Mason said. “Not talked about it, not posted about it — done it.”
Mason also pointed to his involvement in expanding school choice options, including charter school legislation and policies affecting homeschool families. He described those efforts as part of a broader conservative record focused on education reform.
Targets Democrats on Housing and Illegal Grow Operations
A central theme of Mason’s speech focused on housing affordability, which he blamed on Democratic policies he said have increased regulation and limited new development.
Mason also raised concerns about illegal marijuana grow operations, claiming they have removed housing units from the market and damaged properties.
“That’s not just a crime problem, that’s a housing problem,” Mason said, arguing that stricter enforcement and regulatory changes would be a priority if elected governor.
He also floated a proposal intended to allow homeowners to transfer low-interest mortgage rates when selling homes, describing the idea as a way to increase housing mobility and affordability.
Criticizes Energy Policy and Renewable Development
Energy costs were another focal point of Mason’s remarks. He argued that renewable energy development policies have increased costs for Maine households while benefiting out-of-state developers.
“Maine families are paying some of the highest electric bills in the United States, and that’s not an accident,” Mason said. “It is a direct result of bad policy.”
He criticized solar development projects on farmland and pledged to revisit energy subsidy programs if elected.
Focuses on Taxes and State Spending
Mason also criticized what he described as expanded taxation and spending under Democratic leadership, referencing proposals such as a “millionaire’s tax” and listing several existing taxes as examples of what he characterized as excessive government reach.
He tied those policies to broader concerns about state spending and government expansion, arguing that taxpayer dollars have funded programs and agencies he believes are unnecessary.
“When I take office, I will walk in with the experience to identify waste and cut every dollar of excess spending,” Mason said.
At the same time, Mason emphasized that spending reductions would not target vulnerable populations such as veterans, seniors, or children.
“These cuts will not come at the expense of people who truly need help,” he said.
Links Crime to Economic and Housing Issues
Mason also addressed crime, connecting public safety concerns to broader economic issues such as housing and fraud.
“When illegal grow operations destroy homes, that is a crime,” Mason said. “When fraud drains public programs, that is a crime.”
He pledged to increase support for law enforcement and strengthen enforcement efforts against criminal activity.
Positions Himself Against Other GOP Rivals
Mason also took aim at unnamed opponents in the Republican primary, contrasting his legislative background with candidates he described as inexperienced or reliant on political name recognition.
He defended his own credentials as both a former lawmaker and business owner, arguing that his combined experience in government and the private sector prepares him to lead the state.
“Maine does not run on nepotism,” Mason said. “It runs on people who have earned trust by working in the trenches.”
Frames Race as Choice Between Experience and Promises
Closing his remarks, Mason argued that Maine faces urgent challenges and said voters should prioritize candidates with a proven record of results rather than campaign rhetoric.
“I am not here to make promises I can’t deliver,” Mason said. “I’m here because I know how to get the job done and I will do it for you.”
Mason has my attention. I like what he proposes he’ll do. Need to hear his attack plan. I Don’t believe that illegal marijuana grows are killing the housing affordability, it’s a product of it.