A 6th Republican candidate is throwing his hat into next year’s race for Maine governor with Kennebunkport businessman Ben Midgley set to make a formal announcement next Tuesday.

Midgley does not appear to have a background as an elected officeholder, and is touting his experience leading major gym groups, including Planet Fitness and Crunch Fitness.

Midgley says he wants to make Maine a great place to build a business and raise a family.

Midgley has some notable backing as his marketing is being handled by Lauren LePage, who is the daughter of former governor Paul LePage.

Midgley has been married to his wife, Sonia, a Lyman native, for 23 years. They have three children.

The other Republicans who have announced for the Maine governor’s race next year include Oxford State Senator Richard Bennett, Hope Harbor CEO & President Ken A. Capron, former President George W Bush administration member Bobby Charles, real estate broker David Jones and Standish State Senator James Libby.

Possible high profile Republican governor candidates include State Representative Laurel Libby, who has been at the center of the controversy over transgender athletes in women’s sports as a vocal opponent of the practice. Libby also heads the political action committee Dinner Table Action, which is backing a ballot question seeking a photo voter ID requirement as well as heavy restrictions on absentee voting.

Midgley will make his formal announcement for the governor’s race at 11 am Tuesday in Kennebunk.