AUGUSTA — Republican gubernatorial hopeful Garrett Mason of Lisbon is the first of many contenders for the job to earn a place on the ballot.

Mason, the state Senate’s majority leader, said the dedication of volunteers who collected the required signatures “was instrumental in reaching our goal so quickly.”

“We have just begun and I am excited for the opportunity to share my message of putting Maine first,” Mason said in a prepared statement.

Mason is among five GOP leaders who are angling to win a June 12 primary and secure the party’s backing in the general election for the chance to succeed two-term Republican Gov. Paul LePage, who is not eligible to run again.

Among the others from his own party who are in the running are Senate President Mike Thibodeau, House Minority Leader Ken Fredette, former human services commissioner Mary Mayhew and business leader Shawn Moody.

A slew of Democratic contenders and some well-known independents also are running for the office.

To gain a place on the primary ballot, Mason collected more than 2,000 signatures throughout the state.

Mason, a Maine Clean Elections candidate, said he anticipates that he will soon have the 3,200 small donations from registered voters in Maine needed to qualify for campaign financing through the program.

Former state GOP Chairman Charlie Webster said in a prepared statement that Mason’s campaign’s “ability to build such a strong grass-roots campaign is an impressive accomplishment. It is a true testament to Garrett’s ability to not only earn support from voters but turn them into advocates for his campaign.”

The winners of the June 12 primary will appear on the Nov. 6 general election ballot. Governors serve four-year terms.

scollins@sunjournal.com

State Sen. Garrett Mason announcing his gubernatorial bid last fall. (File photo)