Speaker Johnson endorses former NASCAR driver for Maine Democrat’s congressional seat

close Video Former NASCAR driver aims to flip Maine House seat controlled by Democrat Maine congressional candidate and former NASCAR driver Austin Theriault on his plan to flip a toss up House seat and the issues driving his campaign. Read this article for free! Plus get unlimited access to thousands of articles, videos and more with your free account! Please enter a valid email address.

By entering your email, you are agreeing to Fox News Terms of Service and Privacy Policy , which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive . To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided. FIRST ON FOX: A former NASCAR driver turned GOP congressional candidate in Maine received an endorsement from the new House speaker.

Fox News Digital has learned House Speaker Mike Johnson , R La., endorsed GOP congressional candidate Austin Theriault in his quest to flip the seat held by Democratic Maine Rep. Jared Golden. Johnson told Mainers to get out and vote for Theriault, a former NASCAR driver, calling him a successful, "hardworking public servant." MAINE DEMOCRAT WHO BARRED TRUMP FROM BALLOT SAID VOTER ID LAWS ‘ROOTED IN WHITE SUPREMACY’ Fox News Digital has learned House Speaker Mike Johnson, R La., endorsed GOP congressional candidate Austin Theriault, pictured here, in his quest to flip the seat held by Democrat Maine Rep.

Jared Golden. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) "Mainers, please send Austin Theriault to Congress so he can fight for you," Johnson told Fox News Digital Tuesday. "I'm endorsing Austin because he's a hardworking public servant with a strong track record of success. "His rural Maine values have shaped him and his character, and I know he'll do everything he can to make life better for Mainers.

Austin will hold Joe Biden and Jared Golden — both failed leaders — accountable, and he's the best candidate to beat Jared Golden in November. EX NASCAR DRIVER AUSTIN THERIAULT LAUNCHES GOP BID FOR BATTLEGROUND HOUSE SEAT "Elect a winner, Mainers — elect Austin Theriault." Theriault, a Maine state representative, told Fox News Digital, "Speaker Johnson is fighting for rural conservative values," and he appreciates the support.

Johnson told people of Maine to get out and vote for Theriault, a former NASCAR driver, calling him a successful, "hardworking public servant." (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) "Joe Biden and Jared Golden have failed to make life better for Mainers," Theriault said. "I look forward to fighting for the working class by restoring energetic, effective and aggressive leadership to Maine’s 2nd congressional district.

"Join our fight to help Maine's working class get ahead. It's time to stand up and stop the out of touch elites from continuing to hurt our communities and proactively fight for a better and more prosperous future." Theriault's endorsement comes as he seeks the seat held by Golden in a race expected to be one of the most competitive House races this cycle.

The former NASCAR driver announced last week on Twitter his campaign "raised more than $355K in the first 3 month fundraising period" since he entered the race. Theriault's endorsement comes as he seeks the seat held by Golden in a race expected to be one of the most competitive House races this cycle.

(Screenshot/NBC/MeetThePressNow) Theriault has been vocal in his campaign on issues facing America, including speaking out against "pro Hamas" protesters as well as the effort to remove former President Trump from the primary ballot in Maine. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Johnson is not the only House Republican leader to endorse Theriault's House candidacy.

House Republican Conference chairwoman Elise Stefanik, R N.Y., threw her support behind Theriault in December. Houston Keene is a politics writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to Houston.Keene@Fox.com and on Twitter: @HoustonKeene.