Booths await Maine residents to cast their ballots at a polling station inside the Portland Exposition Building on Tuesday in Bangor, Maine. CJ Gunther via Getty Images
Jonathan Bush Loses Crowded Republican Primary
Jonathan Bush, the nephew of former President George H.W. Bush and cousin of former President George W. Bush, is projected to lose the crowded Republican Maine gubernatorial primary. Former U.S. assistant Secretary of State Robert Charles won the primary Friday after the June 9 race advanced to ranked choice voting.
Despite his name recognition, Bush was on track to earn just 19.8% of the votes by Tuesday night, falling significantly short to Charles, who was on track to win 37.9% of the vote. Charles will face off against Democrat Hannah Pingree in November.
Bush's Campaign Strategy
Throughout his campaign, Bush sought to distinguish himself from his family dynasty — a difficult sell under a Republican Party that has been dramatically transformed under President Donald Trump. When he launched his campaign last fall to replace outgoing Gov. Janet Mills (D), Bush branded himself as a business-oriented political outsider and “a fanatic Maine optimist,” focusing his message on economic growth and job creation, slashing income and property taxes, and auditing state government.
In one radio ad played in Maine earlier this year, he addressed potential voter apprehension around his family name head-on. “I’m Jonathan Bush,” he said. “Now hold on, I know what you’re thinking — not another Bush. I get it. But hear me out: I might be different than what you’re expecting. First, I’m not low energy anything.”
Bush Family Roots in Maine
As the 57-year-old son of a banker and member of the Bush family, Jonathan Bush’s political roots in Maine trace back decades. The Bush family’s compound in Kennebunkport — an oceanfront home known as Walker’s Point Estate — has notably been in their family for well over a century.
Robert Charles' Background
Charles, meanwhile, worked in the administrations of three Republican presidents, including Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. He has repeatedly vowed to work with the Trump administration and investigate alleged fraud in the state if elected in November.
