PORTLAND, Maine — Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, received a key endorsement by the state federation for more than 200 local labor unions.
The Maine AFL-CIO announced its support Monday of King in his re-election bid.
The endorsement comes as King is facing opposition from all sides this election cycle. Republican Demi Kouzounas, Democrat David Costello, and independent Jason Cherry are all looking to unseat the two-term incumbent.
"There's two ways to run: scared or unopposed," King told NEWS CENTER Maine. "And because I've got opposition, I'm taking it seriously."
King shook hands with workers at Portland Lobster Company as he greeted potential voters before heading back to Washington for the week.
Despite cooling inflation and lower interest rates, he said workers in the state are experiencing a lot challenges, including soaring prices and an overheated housing market.
"I've worked with working people all my life," King said. "The idea of protecting working people in Maine comes naturally. To have that recognized by the Maine AFL-CIO—that's a big deal."
The organization's leadership praised King for his work in passing the Inflation Reduction Act and other legislation that invested in Maine.
"If you don't have someone working in D.C. for higher wages, families miss out," Maine AFL-CIO Vice President Grant Provost said.
Provost claimed the group has a strong relationship with King's office to discuss everything from housing affordability to investments in a clean energy future.
King has significantly outraised his competition with nearly $5 million in contributions, according to recent filings.
But his biggest strength—experience—also brings his biggest challenge. King is 80 years old and seeking re-election in the wake of President Joe Biden dropping out of his race over concerns about his age.
Former Gov. Paul LePage and former U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin, both Republicans, have called on him to step aside.
"I'm a year younger than Mick Jagger!" King joked when asked if he should step aside. "The middle is shrinking. I have a role to play trying to bring people together, working with both sides. I don't feel good about walking away in this perilous moment."
That moment centers on a historic presidential race that has divided the electorate. The junior senator has long been a critic of former President Donald Trump, though he has yet to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris.
"I understand the people that are supporting President Trump. They're frustrated. They feel like they haven't been listened to," King said.
He also noted he was "impressed" with Harris but stopped short of announcing a formal endorsement.
"She's trying to reach out beyond the Democratic base. I think that's the kind of leadership we need," King said.
When pressed on the issue, he said there would be an announcement in "the coming days."
In response to Monday's endorsement, King's Republican opponent Demi Kouzounas released a statement.
“Maine’s hardworking families aren’t looking for more endorsements—they’re looking for relief," Kouzounas wrote. "While Angus King has watched costs soar and opportunities disappear, I’ll be busy fighting for lower prices, better jobs, and bringing the American Dream back to Maine’s doorstep. Endorsements don’t pay the bills—solutions do.”
King's Democratic opponent David Costello also released a statement, saying the endorsement is "not unexpected."
"However, being the son of an AFL-CIO organizer and, unlike Sen. King, having grown up in a working-class, union household in Maine, I am disappointed," Costello wrote in part. "I have put the working families of Maine at the forefront of my campaign. I would encourage all voters to take a close look at what my campaign offers middle- and working-class families in Maine. "
King said he is determined to focus on his campaign in the coming weeks and believes his messaging about the need for middle ground in Washington will resonate with voters.
"We've got so much left to do," he said.