Megadonor Funds Early Ads for Maine GOP Gubernatorial Candidate

Restoration of America, a conservative network backed by Republican megadonor Richard Uihlein, is spending big on ads supporting Garrett Mason's campaign.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:31pm

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Ads funded by Republican megadonor Richard Uihlein's conservative network Restoration of America are giving an early boost to lobbyist and former Maine Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason's fledgling gubernatorial run. The ad buy, totaling at least $437,000, is large and early for a state-level campaign in Maine and underscores Mason's connections to national donors who look poised to effectively fund his run.

Why it matters

The early and sizable ad buy from an outside group highlights the influence of wealthy national donors in state-level races, as well as the growing role of dark money in political campaigns. It also raises questions about the impact of such spending on the Republican primary field and the ability of lesser-known candidates to compete.

The details

The ads, which began running on Tuesday and will continue through March, criticize current Governor Janet Mills and pitch Mason as a candidate 'ready to be governor on day one.' Restoration of America is the predominant political network funded by Uihlein, an Illinois billionaire and founder of the business supply company ULINE. Uihlein has given the network's main political committee $125 million between 2020 and 2024. Some of this funding is now being directed to Mason's campaign in Maine.

  • The ads began running on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
  • The ad campaign will continue through March 2026.

The players

Garrett Mason

Lobbyist and former Maine Senate Majority Leader who is running for the Republican nomination for governor.

Richard Uihlein

Republican megadonor and founder of the business supply company ULINE, who has provided $125 million in funding to the conservative network Restoration of America between 2020 and 2024.

Restoration of America

A conservative network that is spending at least $437,000 on ads supporting Garrett Mason's gubernatorial campaign in Maine.

Janet Mills

The current Democratic governor of Maine, who is criticized in the ads funded by Restoration of America.

Luke Thompson

Garrett Mason's campaign manager, who has previously worked for Vice President JD Vance and helmed an outside group that skirted federal campaign finance laws.

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What’s next

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