Former NASCAR driver Austin Theriault wins GOP nomination in Maine’s 2nd District
June 12, 2024
BANGOR (WGME) — The Associated Press is projecting that former NASCAR driver and current Maine State Representative Austin Theriault has won the Republican Party’s nomination in Maine’s Second Congressional District Tuesday night.
- Also read: 2024 June Primary Election Results for Maine
Theriault defeated fellow Maine State Representative Mike Soboleski for the GOP nomination.
He will now move on to face Democratic incumbent Congressman Jared Golden for Golden’s seat in November.
Theriault says this is for working people across the state and now is the time to put people over politics.
He says that people are feeling forgotten and hanging on by a thread.
The 30-year-old from Fort Kent argues there needs to be leaders in Washington who know what it’s like to struggle.
He also hammered on some key issues, like protecting Social Security, securing the border and addressing mental health.
Theriault touts his background in small business as something that sets himself apart from his opponents.
He argues that experience could help address a huge issue for all Americans: inflation and the economy.
“People are tired of politicians. They want results, and it’s time we get to work for them,” Theriault said.
“I know Jared’s had a pretty good voting record. He’s been careful on a few things and stuff, but he’s still voted along right with Nancy Pelosi,” voter Allen Albert said.
Maine Rep. Austin Theriault, R-Fort Kent, center, a former NASCAR driver, campaigns for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Farmington, Maine. Theriault is running against Rep. Mike Soboleski, R-Phillips, in the Maine primary on Tuesday, June 11. The winner will face Democrat U.S. Rep. Jared Golden in November. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
“I want someone who I’m pretty sure will vote according to the principals that most Republicans stand for,” voter Anne Marie Quin said.
While this is seen as a pretty red district and went for Trump twice, this part of the state has actually been pretty blue at a federal level for a long time.
It’s something that Theriault brought up during his speech.
Theriault thinks he can drum up support from a broad coalition by talking about education, childcare, energy costs and other issues people are facing.
Soboleski was the decided underdog, both in fundraising and after former President Donald Trump endorsed his opponent.
He said he was confident in his base supporters, many of whom were veterans, hoping that with his military experience, Soboleski could unseat his fellow Marine in Golden, but that support ultimately was not enough.
