Maine U.S. Senator Angus King’s son, Angus King III, is running for governor after making a formal announcement Tuesday morning.
King joins a field of seven candidates so far seeking to replace Democratic Governor Janet Mills, who is term limited.
King is the founder and former president of renewable energy development company Peaks Renewables.
He’s running as a Democrat for governor, while his father is an Independent U.S. Senator
The contest for the Democratic nominee for governor is already drawing heavy candidate intrigue. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is King’s only official opponent thus far.
However, former Senate President Troy Jackson, who formed an exploratory committee in March, and 2nd District Congressman Jared Golden have long been rumored as potential candidates.
Politico reports King is hoping his father’s independent credentials and high name recognition will help him.
“I’ve spent my life building and making things that really help people,” said King in a statement. “Now, I’m running for governor to build a better Maine – where it’s easier to start and grow a small business, where we can build our economy through innovation and hard work, and where it’s not so hard to afford the basic things you need to live and raise a family in the state we all love.”
The senior Senator King served as governor of Maine between 1995 and 2003.
