Jonathan Bush, cousin of former President George W. Bush, pictured here, may be eyeing the Maine governor's seat and continuing the Bush family political dynasty. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
As of this reporting, however, Bush does not yet appear among the 18 gubernatorial candidates officially registered with Maine’s Ethics Commission.
Democratic Gov. Janet Mills is term limited, leaving an open 2026 gubernatorial seat in a state that leans left but prides itself on its independent streak. Mills was re-elected in 2022 by double digits over former Republican Gov. Paul LePage, showing Democratic strength in the Pine Tree State. The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball currently rate the race as "Likely Democratic."
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In his Maine for Keeps blueprint, Bush roots his vision in family ties and a sense of place.
"Maine is the best place on earth to live and raise a family! My family has been in Maine since the 1890s. My wife Fay’s family has been here since the 1700s," he wrote.
But he warns the state government has failed to foster opportunity.
"Instead of creating an environment that fosters economic growth and independence, Maine state government has slipped into a ‘learned helplessness,'" he said.
He also points to schools and housing as areas of decline, writing, "Our schools have dropped from among the best in the nation to the bottom of the barrel. … We’re experiencing a housing crisis because a spider web of development restrictions has shut down new construction for anything but high-end homes."
Democratic Gov. Janet Mills is term limited in 2026, leading to a crowded field of gubernatorial hopefuls. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Several prominent Democrats are already exploring bids, including Angus King III, Hannah Pingree, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Senate President Troy Jackson. Republicans, meanwhile, face a fragmented field, with several candidates vying for attention in a party divided between Trump-aligned populists and moderates, analysts told Newsweek.
One Gallup poll from Jan. 21 shows both Bush’s potential and his hurdles.
Trump enjoys 93% favorability among Republicans, compared to 63% for Bush's cousin, George W. Bush. Maine’s tradition of electing moderates, as seen with Sen. Susan Collins’ repeated victories, could, however, play to his advantage.
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Jonathan Bush has not formally declared his candidacy but is expected to make a decision in the coming months. In the meantime, Maine for Keeps is continuing to release policy papers and podcast episodes.
A gubernatorial run would test what the Bush family name still means to voters in the Trump era.
The George W. Bush Presidential Center, Former Gov. Jeb Bush and Sen. Susan Collins did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Jonathan Bush's nonprofit Maine for Keeps could not be reached for comment.
Jasmine is a writer at Fox News Digital and a military spouse. Stories can be sent to jasmine.baehr@fox.com or to @JasmineSBaehr via X.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bush-family-political-dynasty-may-eyeing-comeback-2026-governors-race-maine