Governor Paul LePage is endorsing Eric Brakey, a state senator who is hoping to unseat incumbent U.S. Sen. Angus King.
Republican Brakey wants to run this fall against King, an independent.
LePage says he had toyed with the idea of running for U.S. Senate himself. But he declared subsequent rumors "fake news."
The governor said he will help Brakey in any way he can. LePage said Brakey fights for Maine people and freedom.
The governor said Brakey will run against an incumbent senator "who stands with the elites and insiders in Washington."
Portland Democrat Zak Ringelstein is also running to unseat King. Republican financial planner Max Linn was disqualified from Tuesday's ballot even though he will still appear on it.