politics
Maine Democrat Wins Primary for 2nd District Despite Party Support for Rival
Maine State Auditor Matt Dunlap defeated state Sen. Joe Baldacci in the Democratic primary for the state's 2nd congressional district. Party campaign organizations had backed Baldacci but have not confirmed full support for Dunlap.
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Maine State Auditor Matt Dunlap defeated state Sen. Joe Baldacci in the Democratic primary for the state's 2nd congressional district, election officials announced early Friday morning. Dunlap's win came after the House Democrats' campaign arm added Baldacci to its "Red to Blue" list and spent $7,500 on a joint ad buy with him.
It is the second time this month a party-backed candidate has lost a primary.
District outlook Dunlap will face Republican former Gov. Paul LePage in November.
LePage carried the 2nd district in his 2022 bid for governor. The seat went for President Trump by nine points in 2024. The district became open when Rep. Jared Golden announced his retirement last fall.
Party response A DCCC spokesperson said the district "remains squarely in play" but did not state whether Dunlap would be added to the "Red to Blue" program. House Majority PAC said it looks forward to ensuring LePage loses in November but did not mention Dunlap.
A source familiar with discussions between the DCCC and the Dunlap campaign said the two sides are "making inroads and beginning" talks. Rep. said the party should add Dunlap to the program. The Democratic National Committee replaced digital ads that previously featured Senate nominee Graham Platner with versions that exclude him.
