The nephew of George H.W. Bush and cousin of George W. Bush, Jonathan Bush is seeking to replace Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, who is term-limited. A healthcare entrepreneur, Bush revealed his campaign on Wednesday, aiming to shift the governor’s seat from Democratic control to Republican. This marks his first foray into politics after a career in health technology. He co-founded and led athenahealth before being ousted during a hedge fund takeover in 2018, following revelations of past misconduct. Currently, he serves as CEO of Zus Health, a company he established in 2020.
Bush faces a competitive primary race, with Democratic contenders including Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Senate President Troy Jackson, and Angus King III, son of former Maine governor and current Senator Angus King. His campaign highlights his business background, claiming to have created 1,000 jobs in the Midcoast region through his previous ventures. He asserts he is the only gubernatorial candidate with a proven track record of job creation.
Bush has positioned himself as an advocate for economic growth, calling Maine’s current situation an “economic growth emergency.” His proposals include a $1 billion income tax cut, a state budget audit, and expanded access to natural gas. He also emphasizes revitalizing small businesses in the state.
The Republican primary field includes eight candidates, such as lawyer Bobby Charles, real estate broker David Jones, State Senator Jim Libby, health care entrepreneur Owen McCarthy, and former fitness executive Ben Midgley. Other contenders are Ken Capron, Steven Shepphard, and Robert Wessels.