PORTLAND, Maine — With just weeks to go until the primary, two Republican candidates in the state's first congressional district are getting their final messages out.
Andrew Piantidosi of Cape Elizabeth and Ron Russell of Kennebunkport are hoping to challenge incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.
Piantidosi is a 37-year-old father of two with a job in tech sales. Russell is a retired Army Green Beret and defense contractor who grew up in Aroostook County.
"The answer is simply this: family," Piantidosi said when asked why he is running.
Despite tough odds and no political experience, he is confident he can garner support from moderate Republicans and Independents in the district who are looking for a change.
"I think there are plenty of independents and like-minded folks on the left that are looking for a reason to vote for what I consider a commonsense Republican like myself," Piantidosi told NEWS CENTER Maine.
A growing divide among congressional Republicans has him concerned, though, including far-right members like Marjorie Taylor Greene. Piantidosi said there is a need for a return to the middle on both sides.
"As much as Chellie Pingree is taking the party of the Democrat Party left. I am concerned about how other factions are taking my beloved Republican Party right," he said.
Despite this, the issues his campaign is focused on are grounded in key national GOP talking points. His lawn signs say "secure the border" above his name and he says President Joe Biden is painting a far-too-optimistic picture of the state of the economy.
"Inflation is high. Gas prices are high. The price of groceries are high. I'm raising a young family. I know this. I'm the boots on the ground. I see this on a day-to-day basis," Piantidosi said.
Russell said his rationale for running is rooted in his upbringing picking potatoes in The County and decades of service in the military. He followed in his father's footsteps in the Army, and now his son is following in his.
"I'm trying to continue my service to this great nation and serve in the United States Congress and hopefully get things back on track," Russell said.
He now lives on the coast in Kennebunkport where his love of antique cars has become a passion project, including an antique Ford with his campaign sign on the door.
Russell said he is meeting with conservative voters in the district looking for someone who represents core Republican values. A self-described "Susan Collins" conservative, he too said he is worried about the economy and the uptick of migrants at our southern border.
"Those individuals can't work for a period of time, so they are a drain on our economy, and it's a significant drain," Russell said.
When pressed on the need for immigrant workers in Maine's economy, Russell said it is dependent "on legal immigrant workers."
Russell is unashamed to be a staunch Republican and despite some reservations, supports former President Donald Trump's reelection.
"Like many people, the way he does business sometimes bothers me a little bit," Russell said. "I think he is going to be our candidate. And yes, I do support him."
Both Russell and Piantidosi face a tough path to victory in a largely blue district that includes the City of Portland. Only one will make it through the primary on June 11 to face off with Congresswoman Pingree come November.
Two Republicans, Austin Theriault and Michael Soboleski, are looking to challenge Democratic incumbent Jared Golden in Maine's second district.