John Glowa Sr., a former state worker and environmental advocate from South China, announced an independent run for governor Wednesday, adding his name to an already sizable slate of candidates for 2026.

Glowa, 71, worked for the state for nearly 30 years before retiring in 2016. He worked primarily in the Maine Department of Environmental Protection on enforcement of water quality laws.

“I will be the peoples’ governor,” Glowa said in a written statement. “The people have the power if they choose to use it. Maine’s government has failed us, and the two major parties aren’t solving our problems.”

Glowa was born in Presque Isle and said that as a young adult he worked in factories while raising his family and attending school at night. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Maine.

At the state, he also worked as an economic research analyst at the Maine Department of Labor.

Glowa has not previously held elected office. He did attempt to run for governor as a Democrat in 2022, but failed to get enough signatures to get on the primary ballot.

He said Wednesday his experience working in state government has given him the insight to make improvements in how things are run.

“Maine doesn’t need a politician, lawyer or businessman in the Blaine House,” Glowa said. “Maine needs a leader who  knows how government is supposed to work and who will fight to end homelessness and hunger, fix our public education system, help those with drug addiction, stand up for reproductive rights… and protect our natural resources and environment while sustainably growing our economy. Maine needs a governor who will put people first.”

Glowa joins a crowded field of candidates vying to replace Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, who is nearing the end of her second term and cannot run again. As of Wednesday, more than a dozen candidates have filed campaign finance paperwork with the state.

In order to qualify for the ballot, party-affiliated candidates need to collect between 2,000 and 2,500 signatures from Maine voters, and can begin circulating petitions on Jan. 1. Signatures are due to the Maine Department of the Secretary of State by March 16, 2026, and primary elections are scheduled for June 9, 2026.

Unenrolled candidates must collect between 4,000 and 5,000 signatures by June 1.