AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Republican Senate President Mike Thibodeau is abandoning his bid for governor.
Thibodeau said in a statement Monday that he can’t fulfill his jobs of leading the Senate in the final weeks of the session and also running a private business while campaigning for governor.
He said he’s “truly disappointed” but that it’s the right decision.
His announcement leaves four Republicans in the race: House Leader Ken Fredette; state Sen. Garrett Mason; former Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew; and businessman Shawn Moody.
The primary is scheduled to take place June 12.
Thibodeau, who’s viewed as a centrist, has often been at odds with Republican Gov. Paul LePage. Term limits prevent LePage from running again in 2018.
