Payroll Services Owner Runs On Affordability In House District 43

Chris Austin, a St. George Republican seeking Maine House District 43, is campaigning on business costs and affordability, according to a candidate questionnaire published by PenBay Pilot as part of its Elections 2026 coverage ahead of the November 3 vote.

Austin said he began his career as a bank teller, spent 14 years with MBNA/Bank of America, and in 2018 became a small-business owner providing payroll and merchant services to area businesses. He faces Rhiannon Hampson, a Thomaston Democrat, in a district covering Cushing, part of Owls Head, South Thomaston, St. George and Thomaston.

In his responses, Austin said business owners in the district complain about mandates, paperwork and costs imposed by state government, citing Paid Family and Medical Leave as a frequent example. He said he would oppose tax increases and policies that raise utility bills, and would resist unfunded mandates that shift costs to municipalities and local property taxpayers. He also backs a larger Homestead Exemption for longtime homeowners.

On trade, Austin said he opposes tariffs that hurt Maine businesses and wants stable trade with Canada, noting that fishermen, lobstermen and processors in the district depend on those ties. He listed marine resources, small business and economic development, and criminal justice among his preferred committee assignments.

This story was first reported by PenBay Pilot.