A former official who worked under three presidential administrations is the first Republican to announce a run for governor in Maine in 2026.

Bobby Charles of Leeds announced Tuesday that he’ll run for the Blaine House on the Republican ticket.

Charles served in narcotics and domestic policy roles under presidents George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is the only Democrat to announce her candidacy for 2026, when Gov. Janet Mills will be term-limited out of office.