Republican Kennebunkport businessman Ben Midgley declared his intention to run for governor on Tuesday, promising to restore parental rights in education, reduce power rates, and provide opportunities for working Mainers if elected.
Midgley, a family man and businessman who headed Planet Fitness for 30 years before starting Crunch Franchising, which Entrepreneur magazine ranked the best fitness franchise last year, describes himself as an outsider in the political sphere.
According to Midgley, he can bring in investment, generate jobs, and enable more Mainers to own a home.
“I’ve experienced the American dream and I’m grateful for that,” Midgley stated. “But the fact that too many Mainers are losing out on that opportunity is what worries me the most. Literally, Mainers are among the most industrious people in the planet. They want that opportunity, and I’m here to provide it to them. They don’t expect things to be handed to them.
Additionally, the Republican promised to improve the appeal of operating a business in Maine.
“Enterprises are interested in coming here, but not in these circumstances. We can’t solve any of this unless companies of all sizes—big, small, and medium—are profitable and providing jobs,” Midgley stated.
In addition, Midgley promised to end Chinese marijuana cultivation enterprises in Maine and remove privileges for undocumented immigrants.
He also supports prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports and upholding the right to bear guns guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment.
Midgley enters the crowded gubernatorial race alongside eight other Republicans, six Democrats, and one Independent.
