PORTLAND, Maine — The former chair of the Maine Republican Party said she plans to challenge Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, for his seat this upcoming election season.
Demi Kouzounas of Saco told NEWS CENTER Maine she was encouraged to challenge King by Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in a phone call earlier this week.
"Collins thinks very highly of Demi and considers her a good friend," a spokesperson for Collins said Friday. "Demi is known for her passion for public service, including her time in the military and her work providing dental services to Maine families who otherwise would not have access to care."
The spokesperson noted that Collins, the state's senior senator, "often talks to individuals who are considering running for public office," but she will not be making a formal endorsement in the race.
King expressed disappointment with Collins' appearance to have "actively recruited" a candidate to run against him, a spokesperson with his office told NEWS CENTER Maine.
"That won’t change a single thing in the collaborative approach he brings to the Senate everyday, and he certainly intends to continue to work with Senator Collins on behalf of Maine, just as he always has in the past," the spokesperson added.
King was elected governor in 1994 has served in the senate as an independent since 2012 after the retirement of Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe. He announced plans to run for re-election last June.
Kouzounas has not held political office but has been active in Republican campaigns statewide and is a key player in former President Donald Trump's election efforts in the state.
She lost her leadership position with the Maine GOP in 2023, after a rough year for state republicans in 2022. That year, Democrat Gov. Janet Mills won her re-election against Republican candidate and former Gov. Paul LePage, and Democrat Rep. Jared Golden beat out Republican and former U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin for Maine's Second Congressional District.
Kouzounas, who was a contributor on NEWS CENTER Maine's Political Brew, is expected to make a formal announcement of her candidacy next week.