Former Gym Chain CEO Seeks Maine GOP Gubernatorial Nomination

Ben Midgley, a first-time candidate, brings business acumen and proposals for tax cuts and regulatory reforms.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:50am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring a businessman's figure repeated in overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in shades of blue, gray, and green, conveying a sense of motion and disruption.Midgley's business-focused platform aims to shake up Maine's political landscape.Portland Today

Ben Midgley, a 56-year-old businessman who previously led Planet Fitness and Crunch Fitness Franchising, is running for the Republican nomination for governor of Maine. As a first-time candidate, Midgley believes his lack of political experience will bring a fresh perspective to Augusta. He is proposing strategic tax cuts, welfare program reforms, and regulatory rollbacks to spur business growth in the state.

Why it matters

Midgley's outsider status and business-focused platform represent a challenge to Maine's political establishment. His proposals, if enacted, could significantly reshape the state's economic and social policies.

The details

Midgley, who never finished college, says he has personal experience with unemployment and federal assistance programs like SNAP. He wants to take a 'scalpel' to taxes and state spending, including welfare programs, and emulate income tax reductions implemented under former Governor Paul LePage. Midgley also wants to roll back business regulations, expedite housing construction and infrastructure improvements, and focus on preventative health care to reduce healthcare costs.

  • Midgley is one of eight Republicans on the Maine gubernatorial primary ballot in 2026.

The players

Ben Midgley

A 56-year-old businessman who previously led Planet Fitness and Crunch Fitness Franchising, and is now running for the Republican nomination for governor of Maine as a first-time candidate.

Paul LePage

The former governor of Maine, whose income tax reductions in 2011 and 2015 Midgley wants to emulate.

Janet Mills

The current governor of Maine, who has fulfilled the legal mandate to cover 55% of local K-12 school costs.

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What they’re saying

“I think being an outsider, it's easier to look at the problem rather than the process, and then you go fix the problem. That's just the way it is in the corporate world.”

— Ben Midgley, Gubernatorial Candidate

“You do have to look at education. The Department of Education is the second largest expense in the state.”

— Ben Midgley, Gubernatorial Candidate

What’s next

Midgley will need to win the Republican primary election in order to advance to the general election for Maine governor.

The takeaway

Midgley's outsider status and business-focused platform represent a challenge to Maine's political establishment, and his proposals, if enacted, could significantly reshape the state's economic and social policies.