Bush family political dynasty may be eyeing a comeback in 2026 governor's race in Maine

In his Maine for Keeps blueprint, Bush roots his vision in family ties and a sense of place. 

"Instead of creating an environment that fosters economic growth and independence, Maine state government has slipped into a 'learned helplessness,'" he said.

"I moved to Maine, which is a tough state to do business in, and I've tried to help out as much as I can in my community," he said.

His philosophy, he added, is that "we should all be figuring out how to lean in, rather than just yell at the TV. The TV doesn't care."Bush, 55, is best known as a healthcare entrepreneur. He co-founded Athenahealth in the 1990s, expanding it into a major medical software company before stepping down in 2018 amid an activist investor fight. He later launched Zus Health, a Boston-based startup focused on health data interoperability.

Several prominent Democrats are already exploring bids, including Angus King III, Hannah Pingree, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Senate President Troy Jackson. Republicans, meanwhile, face a fragmented field, with several candidates vying for attention in a party divided between Trump-aligned populists and moderates, analysts told Newsweek.

One Gallup poll from Jan. 21 shows both Bush's potential and his hurdles.