PRI Founding members, along with SEMA and PRI PAC members, recently had a unique opportunity to meet with congressional candidate Austin Theriault during an exclusive virtual event. Austin is running for U.S. House of Representatives in Maine's Second Congressional District, which covers everything but the southeastern corner of the Pine Tree State. He currently serves in the Maine House of Representatives, representing much of the St. John Valley. Austin is a native Mainer who grew up in a rural small business logging family.  He is running in one of the top U.S. House races to watch in the 2024 election as Republicans seek to keep control of the chamber.  

Prior to running for office, he competed at some of the highest levels of stock-car racing in the U.S., racing for some of the most well-respected team owners in NASCAR, including Brad Keselowski, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Kenny Schrader. Austin won the 2017 ARCA Racing Championship with a record-breaking seven wins out of 20 races. He continues to mentor and coach the next generation of drivers through a business collaboration with Ron Hornaday's Team Hornaday Development. 

PRI Founding Members and PRI and SEMA PAC Members had the opportunity to meet with congressional candidate Austin Theriault during an exclusive virtual event; a screenshot of the event is seen here.

During the meet and greet, Austin shared his journey from the race track to the political arena and discussed how his deep understanding of the motorsports industry drives his commitment to advocating for it. His experience as a competitor and an industry advocate positions him as a crucial ally in protecting motorsports and the automotive aftermarket industry from burdensome regulations. 

Having individuals like candidate Theriault in the U.S. House of Representatives will be instrumental in ensuring that the policies coming out of Washington, D.C., reflect the needs and realities of our industry. He understands the unique challenges our industry faces, from protecting the right to modify vehicles to ensuring that motorsports continue to thrive.  

The PRI Washington, D.C. office is grateful for candidate Theriault's time and his dedication to advocating for the automotive and motorsports communities. As he continues his campaign, SEMA and PRI PAC members can look forward to having a champion for our industry on Capitol Hill. 

For more information on Austin's campaign, you can visit AustinforMaine.com.