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Michael Capeci is currently serving as chairman of the Bangor Republican Committee. This endorsement represents his personal views on the republican primary, not the committee’s views.
Maine is at an inflection point.
For years, our state has struggled with slow economic growth, an aging population, workforce shortages, and rising costs that make it harder for families and businesses to thrive. Too many young people leave because they see better opportunities elsewhere. Too many employers hesitate to expand because of high energy costs, workforce constraints, and regulatory delays.
These are not partisan talking points; they are realities felt across communities from Aroostook County to York.
The next governor will inherit these structural challenges. The question for voters is not simply which party should lead, but who has a credible, detailed plan to strengthen Maine’s economic foundation.
That is why I support Owen McCarthy.
Owen is not a career politician. He comes from the private sector, where he built and managed businesses and worked directly with entrepreneurs navigating Maine’s regulatory and economic landscape. His experience in business formation, operations, and workforce development informs the way he approaches public policy with an emphasis on execution, measurable outcomes, and long-term sustainability rather than short-term political wins.
Owen has centered his campaign on what he calls a “Maine 2040” strategy, a long-term economic development framework aimed at creating 50,000 new foundational jobs. These are jobs in sectors that bring new revenue into Maine’s economy rather than shifting existing dollars. Whether one is a Republican, Democrat, or independent, the principle is the same: sustainable prosperity comes from growing the pie.
Importantly, his plan does not chase trends. It builds on Maine’s existing strengths. Maritime industries and defense partnerships, advanced forest products, and life sciences are not speculative bets. They are sectors where Maine already has assets: a skilled workforce, research capacity, natural resources, and strategic geography. Strengthening these areas would not only raise wages but also stabilize rural communities that have experienced decades of economic uncertainty.
Economic development, however, is not just about recruitment. It is also about modernization. Maine’s permitting processes can be slow and unpredictable, particularly for small and mid-sized businesses without teams of attorneys and consultants. McCarthy has proposed streamlining these systems through digital tools and clearer timelines not to weaken environmental standards, but to make compliance more transparent and efficient.
He also emphasizes practical uses of technology to expand opportunity beyond southern Maine. Remote work infrastructure, digital commerce, and artificial intelligence tools can allow rural entrepreneurs to reach broader markets while remaining rooted in their communities. For a geographically rural state, that matters.
Healthcare is another area where economic and social realities intersect. Businesses cannot recruit workers to communities where access to care is limited. Families cannot stay if emergency response times are long or if insurance premiums continue to rise. McCarthy has proposed strengthening emergency medical services, expanding telehealth, and allowing healthcare professionals to practice at the top of their training. These steps aim to increase access while controlling costs, a balance that should appeal across the political spectrum.
Some have questioned whether a younger candidate can manage the complexity of state government. I see it differently. Maine is one of the oldest states in the nation demographically. If we are serious about retaining and attracting younger workers and families, we should welcome leadership that understands their economic pressures firsthand. Generational perspective can complement experience, not replace it.
Elections inevitably bring sharp contrasts and partisan arguments. But Maine’s long-term challenges will not be solved through rhetoric alone. They require a governing plan grounded in economic realism and measurable goals.
Voters will ultimately decide which vision meets this moment. For my part, I believe Maine would benefit from leadership focused squarely on economic expansion, modernization of state systems, and creating conditions where young families and established industries alike can see a future here.
Maine has the assets. The question is whether we will align policy and leadership to fully leverage them.
Because of this, I’m proud to say I am going with Owen.