Voters in Maine's 2nd Congressional District head to the polls Tuesday for a primary that will determine the Democratic challenger in a race already tilting toward the GOP. The seat is open because Representative Jared Golden, a Democrat, is not seeking reelection, and the nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the general election as leaning Republican.
President Trump has thrown his weight behind former Governor Paul LePage, who is the presumptive Republican nominee. LePage's return to the political stage has energized the GOP base, but his controversial tenure could galvanize Democratic turnout in the fall.
Three Democrats are vying for the nomination: State Senator Joe Baldacci, state Auditor Matthew Dunlap, and Jordan Wood, a former chief of staff to Representative Katie Porter of California. Baldacci has emphasized his legislative experience in Augusta, while Dunlap points to his oversight role in state government. Wood, who worked for Porter in Washington, is campaigning on a progressive platform.
Meanwhile, in the 1st Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Chellie Pingree is running for reelection. Pingree faces little primary opposition and is expected to advance easily to the general election.
The primary is being closely watched as a bellwether for the national political landscape. Maine's 2nd District, which covers the northern and western parts of the state, has a history of close contests and ticket-splitting. Golden first won the seat in 2018 by fewer than 3,000 votes, and the district backed Trump in 2020 while electing Golden to the House.
Polls close at 8 p.m. Eastern. Decision Desk HQ is providing live results, which will be updated throughout the evening.
This primary is part of a broader test of Trump's influence in key states. In South Carolina, the former president's endorsement is also being put to the test in several races. Meanwhile, Maine Democrats are also watching a Senate primary where a former aide has urged the party to reject a candidate before the vote.
For the latest updates on the Maine House primary and other races, follow Decision Desk HQ's live results.
