Carson, who ended his campaign prior to Maine’s Republican caucus on March 5, will speak on the first day of the two-day convention.

Republican Gov. Paul LePage, who like Carson has endorsed New York businessman Donald Trump, will also speak.

The Maine GOP says a record number of Republicans are running for national delegate positions, underscoring enthusiasm for the upcoming state convention, which is held this year at Cross Insurance Convention Center in Bangor.

Officials say nearly 200 people are competing for 20 delegate positions and 20 alternate slots that’ll be filled at the GOP convention in Bangor.

The two-day state convention will be held Friday and Saturday, April 22-23 at the Cross Insurance Center.

The delegates elected at the state convention will represent the Maine GOP at the national convention in Cleveland.

Maine Republican Party Chairman Rick Bennett said he’s happy to see Republicans “inspired and motivated.”