AUGUSTA, Maine — Hundreds of delegates made their way to the Augusta Civic Center Friday for the 2024 Republican Convention as Mainers look toward upcoming elections.
The event featured several key speakers and delegates reviewed a draft of the GOP party platform, which highlighted several priorities like lowering taxes, government oversight, local control of education, and policies that prohibit abortion.
Candidates took turns sharing their priorities as they continue to campaign ahead of June primaries.
Military readiness is a priority for some like Ron Russell, who is running against Andrew Piantidosi to challenge Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree in the First District.
Russell said his experience serving in the military informs his desire to rework defense funding, along with other goals like reducing national debt.
"I know the value of a well-trained military, and we are not there yet," Russell said. "Coupled with a firm understanding of how government can help or hurt small business; is another benefit that I will bring to the equation."
Other Republicans took the stage, lending their support to candidates like Maine House member Mike Soboleski, who is hoping to be the GOP challenger to Congressman Jared Golden in the Second District.
"I'll defend our Constitution, that's why I'm running for Congress. I want to make a difference," Soboleski said in a campaign video shown at the convention. "We need people who can grasp the complexities of national public policy, while having the toughness and grit to make conservative change happen."
Soboleski is facing Republican state representative and former NASCAR driver Austin Theriault, who has been endorsed by several state lawmakers and former President Donald Trump.
"I have no doubt our Founding Fathers are turning in their graves at the vision of the gun control agenda that Jared Golden is now pushing here in America," Theriault said in his speech.
In addition to fighting gun control, Theriault said he wants to re-fund building a wall along the U.S. and Mexico border, give more support for law enforcement, and address rising inflation and interest rates.
"That's how we're going to take back the State House, take back the state of Maine and take back our country," Theriault said.
The convention continues Saturday in Augusta and is followed by the Democratic Convention which is May 31 in Bangor.