Former Maine Gov. Paul LePage is storming back into the political arena, aiming to unseat Rep. Jared Golden in Maine’s sprawling Second Congressional District.
Breitbart reported that this rural stronghold, the largest of its kind east of the Mississippi, could be the battleground that tilts the balance of power in Washington. It’s a matchup that’s got conservatives buzzing and Democrats sweating.
Maine’s Second District has been a thorn in Republicans’ sides since Golden nabbed the seat in 2018, using the state’s quirky ranked-choice voting to edge out then-incumbent Bruce Poliquin.
Despite GOP efforts in every cycle since, Golden has held on—barely squeaking by against young upstart Austin Theriault, a former race car driver turned state legislator, in his most recent contest.
Theriault came close as the race tightened, but Golden’s grip remained. Now, enter LePage, a heavyweight with name recognition that could finally tip the scales.
LePage’s Strong Start Shakes Up Race
LePage isn’t just any challenger; he’s a two-term governor who’s won big in this very district during his past gubernatorial runs.
His track record of statewide victories gives him a leg up over previous GOP hopefuls. And with a personal story of grit—fleeing an abusive home at 11, mastering English, and rising to business and political prominence—he’s a candidate with a narrative that resonates.
Fundraising? LePage is crushing it, pulling in $550,000 in just 57 days, with nearly 90% from Maine donors. Compare that to Golden, whose second-quarter haul of $558,172 came mostly from out-of-state wallets—think New York, Massachusetts, and other liberal hubs—raising eyebrows about who he’s really representing.
Golden’s reliance on outside cash, including over $30,000 from Washington Democrats and PACs like AMERIPAC and Patriot PAC, paints a picture of a congressman more tethered to D.C. elites than Maine loggers. It’s a contrast LePage is likely to hammer home. After all, when your base is funding your opponent’s campaign, that’s a talking point with teeth.
Polling isn’t doing Golden any favors either, with two surveys showing him trailing LePage in a direct matchup. His favorability is tanking—48% positive to 41% negative, the lowest of his career. For a fourth-term congressman, those are numbers that scream trouble.
Republicans are also quick to point out Golden’s perceived waffling on hot-button issues like immigration, gun rights, and transgender policies.
Critics argue he’s tried to play both sides, leaving voters unsure of where he truly stands. It’s the kind of flip-flopping that could cost him in a district hungry for straight talk.
Adding to Golden’s woes, he’s facing heat from his own party, with one primary challenger already in the ring and former Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap mulling a run. Democratic leadership tried to dissuade Dunlap, but their meddling seems to have only fired him up. It’s a messy family feud at the worst possible time.
Trump Connection Fuels GOP Hopes
LePage’s long-standing alliance with President Donald Trump is another ace up his sleeve, especially in a district Trump carried by 9 points in the latest election. This isn’t just a local race; it’s a key pickup opportunity in one of 13 Democrat-held House districts Trump won. The stakes couldn’t be higher for conservatives aiming to protect their agenda.
White House Legislative Affairs Director James Braid, speaking at a Breitbart News event, nailed it: “the biggest opportunity” lies in these Trump-won districts.
But let’s be real—pinning hopes on past victories is no guarantee, especially with midterm history often punishing the party in power. Still, LePage’s entry feels like a calculated strike at the right moment.
Republicans are banking on defying those midterm trends, and Maine’s Second District is a focal point in that strategy. Keeping the House is vital for advancing conservative priorities, especially after past losses derailed momentum and led to political witch hunts. LePage could be the battering ram they need.
For Golden, the road ahead looks rocky, with challenges from both the left and right threatening to squeeze him out. His out-of-state funding and slipping popularity are gifts to LePage’s campaign, which is already capitalizing on local support and a familiar face.
LePage, with his proven electoral success in the district, isn’t just a name on a ballot—he’s a symbol of a Maine-first ethos that could sway undecideds. His fundraising prowess and Trump ties only amplify his threat level. But elections aren’t won on paper; they’re won at the polls.
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Author: Sophia Turner
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