OpEd: An Endorsement of Jonathan Bush

By Lisa Keim – Oxford County Commissioner, District 2

Like many of you, I look around Maine today and barely recognize parts of it. The change hasn’t been subtle—it’s been sweeping. And for many of us, it hasn’t just been economic or political; it’s been personal.

The fallout from heavy-handed COVID mandates still lingers, leaving real people with real scars. When we cite statistics—like Maine ranking among the highest-taxed states with the worst climates for business—those aren’t abstract figures. They are stalled dreams, empty storefronts, and families quietly packing up.

Not long ago, I believed my children would build their futures here, on this extraordinary stretch of land that generations of my family have called home. But I find myself asking a harder question now: can I truly encourage them to stay in a place where growth is stifled, taxes rise, and personal freedom feels increasingly constrained? Where the cost of pursuing a simple life keeps climbing, and the capacity to build something of your own keeps shrinking?

If we want a different future, we must change direction.

This is why I support Jonathan Bush. Among a strong field of qualified Republicans, Jonathan stands out as the one with the vision, the fire, and the record to win in November and deliver results.

The Mission

Jonathan’s vision is straightforward—and overdue. He wants to shrink Augusta, cut through layers of bureaucracy, and return government to its proper, limited role. His focus is on restoring vitality, expanding liberty, and creating the conditions for real economic growth.

He understands something fundamental: prosperity doesn’t start in government offices. It starts with small businesses, innovators, and hardworking Mainers. Maine cannot regulate its way to success. If we want growth, we need to unleash it—by lowering barriers, cutting red tape, and making this a state where people want to invest, build, and stay.

The Person

Policy matters, but leadership matters just as much—and Jonathan brings both. He has a way of connecting with people that’s genuine and rare. He listens. He cares. And when he talks about Maine, it’s not rehearsed—it’s real. Jonathan loves Mainers, from the mill towns to the fishing harbors to the farms.

There’s an energy around him that’s impossible to ignore. People respond to it. They lean in. They want to be part of what he’s building. That kind of enthusiasm doesn’t just win elections—it carries into governing. It’s what brings people together and turns ideas into action.

The Record

Vision and personality are important, but results matter most—and Jonathan has them. In one of the most complex and highly regulated industries—healthcare—he didn’t just navigate the system, he improved it. He identified inefficiencies, built solutions, and created hundreds of jobs right here in Maine.

That kind of experience isn’t a talking point. It’s real impact in Maine people’s lives. It shows he knows how to build, how to lead, and how to deliver results in difficult environments. Add to that his service as a veteran, and you see a leader who understands both responsibility and execution.

I spent eight years in the Maine Senate working to move our state in the right direction. Supporting Jonathan Bush is a continuation of that effort. He brings the vision, the experience, and the determination to put Maine back on a path to growth and renewal.

Maine is still worth fighting for. The question is, who can carry the fight? Jonathan brings the receipts. He’s proven what he can do.

Jonathan Bush is the leader Maine needs—let’s make it happen!

Lisa Keim – Oxford County Commissioner, District 2