Augusta, Maine — JD Vance is attending an event in Bangor on Thursday, but it’s still unclear who will join him as a participant or speaker. Will the GOP candidates desperate for the Trump administration’s endorsement show up to campaign with the vice president?

What is clear is that every Republican in the race has embraced the MAGA agenda and defended Trump’s economic policies, despite the toll they’ve taken on Maine families. From rising health care costs to higher prices for gas, groceries, electricity, and heating, the Trump-Vance agenda has made life more expensive for Mainers.

During last week’s debates, candidates repeatedly praised Trump and doubled down on far-right MAGA policies. With another debate scheduled for Wednesday night, just hours before Vance arrives in Maine, will Republican contenders continue their race to the right in hopes of winning favor with Trump and Vance?

Maine Democratic Party Spokesperson Lauryn Fanguen released the following statement:

“The Trump-Vance economy has hurt Maine families, but that won’t stop Republican gubernatorial candidates from tying themselves to their toxic agenda. With Trump’s favorability sinking in Maine, the GOP candidates are attaching themselves to a political liability.”