Bush Cousin Jonathan Bush Expected to Run for Maine Governor in 2026

Jonathan Bush, a healthcare entrepreneur and cousin of former President George W. Bush, is poised to announce his candidacy for governor of Maine in the 2026 race. He has been exploring a run since July and recently held a fundraiser attended by about 65 people, hosted by George W. Bush and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush at their family compound in Kennebunkport. Bush, who founded the healthcare company athenahealth, plans to make his announcement at the company's Belfast campus, emphasizing his goal to disrupt the political status quo and create jobs to prevent youth from leaving Maine. Despite his Republican affiliation, Bush has distanced himself from the MAGA movement, having described President Donald Trump as "personally troubled" and supported Nikki Haley in the 2024 primaries. His candidacy introduces significant name recognition and political resources to the GOP field, which currently lacks a clear frontrunner. Bush's past includes a 2018 resignation from athenahealth following allegations of assault against his former wife, an incident he has apologized for, and he has since been active in Maine politics through initiatives like the "Maine For Keeps" advocacy group.