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2h ago

Maine Auditor Matt Dunlap Launches Primary Bid Against Rep. Jared Golden in Battleground 2nd District

Party strategists caution that replacing Golden could imperil national support, jeopardizing Democrats’ path to a House majority.

FILE - Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, speaks at a news conference, Nov. 1, 2022, at the State House, in Augusta, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)
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Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) poses for a portrait in his office in Washington, D.C., on May 6, 2025.
FILE - Former Gov. Paul LePage, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, marches in the State of Maine Bicentennial Parade, Aug. 21, 2021, in Lewiston, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

Overview

  • State Auditor Matt Dunlap formally entered the 2026 Democratic primary, casting his run as a stand against President Donald Trump and pledging Medicare for All, universal child care, living wages and affordable housing.
  • Rep. Jared Golden’s recent breaks with Democrats, including being the lone House Democrat to back a GOP short-term funding bill and his support for the SAVE Act, fueled Dunlap’s challenge as a shutdown continues.
  • The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has told Dunlap and Maine party leaders that nominating someone other than Golden could put the seat and national investment at risk, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
  • Golden dismissed Dunlap as a “30-year party crony” and argued he is the most electable in the district, while Dunlap said Golden sides too often with Republicans and promised a more accessible style of representation.
  • The primary winner is likely to face former Gov. Paul LePage in a district Trump carried by roughly 9–10 points, with forecasters rating the race highly competitive and internal polling showing Golden faring better than Dunlap against LePage.