WASHINGTON — The high-stakes race for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District was thrown into chaos this week as three-term Democratic Rep. Jared Golden announced his surprise decision not to seek re-election in 2026. The move abruptly ends a brewing Democratic primary and dramatically reshapes the political future of his challenger, Maine State Auditor Matt Dunlap.
Golden, a Marine veteran known for his moderate voting record in a district that has backed President Donald Trump, cited the toxic political climate and threats against his family as primary reasons for his departure.
“I have grown tired of the increasing incivility and plain nastiness that are now common from some elements of our American community,” Golden wrote in an op-ed published Wednesday. He detailed the personal toll of the job, including threats that required his family to leave their home.
Dunlap’s campaign is instantly transformed by Golden’s exit. In fact, Dunlap recently launched a very challenging insurgent primary challenge against Golden’s left on October 6. He has served multiple terms as Maine’s Secretary of State and is the presumed Democratic front-runner for what is one of the most competitive open seats in the nation..
In a statement following the announcement, Dunlap thanked Golden for his service and pivoted his campaign toward the new reality.
“In the days and months ahead I intend to vigorously campaign for Congress in Maine’s second congressional district – and I intend to win,” Dunlap stated, framing the race as a choice for voters who “deserve better than Paul LePage.”
The political battlefield is now set for a likely showdown between two of Maine’s most familiar political figures: Dunlap and former two-term Republican Governor Paul LePage, the leading candidate for the GOP nomination.
Dunlap’s initial primary challenge was built on frustration from Maine’s progressive base. He criticized Golden for being too willing to side with Republicans on key votes and for comments perceived as being soft on the risks of a second Trump presidency. The run was met with resistance from national Democrats, with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) reportedly warning Dunlap that his challenge could weaken Golden and risk handing the “toss-up” district to Republicans.
With Golden stepping aside, those concerns are moot. The race is no longer an internal party fight but a head-to-head battle for the soul of a fiercely independent district.
The 2nd District, which covers the vast majority of the state’s land area, is notoriously difficult to predict. It is rural, working-class, and has a strong independent streak, famously awarding one of its electoral votes to Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020. Golden’s success there was attributed to his moderate “Blue Dog” Democratic platform, which often put him at odds with his party’s leadership.
Dunlap represents a different brand of Democrat. With a long career in Augusta, first as a state representative and later as the state’s top election official, he is a well-known entity. His supporters see him as a principled progressive, pointing to his time as Secretary of State when he famously sparred with the Trump administration’s commission on “election integrity.”
However, Golden himself offered a sharp parting shot at both his would-be challenger and his likely Republican opponent. In his retirement op-ed, Golden wrote that he hoped his departure “makes space for a competitive primary for both Democrats and Republicans, as Paul LePage and Matt Dunlap are a far cry from being standard bearers of the generations that will inherit the legacy of today’s Congress.”
Republicans, meanwhile, see Golden’s retirement as a prime pickup opportunity. LePage’s team immediately framed Golden’s exit as a retreat, attributing it to weak polling numbers against the former governor.
The contest between Dunlap and LePage would be a clash of political titans who served concurrently in state government for years and often found themselves on opposite sides of major issues, from election laws to fiscal policy.
As the dust settles, Matt Dunlap’s path has changed overnight. His gamble to challenge a sitting incumbent has, through an unexpected twist, cleared his primary field. He now faces the monumental task of uniting the Democratic base while appealing to the same independent-minded voters who kept Jared Golden in office, all in preparation for a bruising general election fight against one of Maine’s most formidable and controversial Republicans.
People Also Ask
Why did Rep. Jared Golden drop out of the Maine congressional race?
Rep. Golden announced on November 5, 2025, that he would not seek re-election, citing “increasing incivility and plain nastiness” in politics, as well as threats of political violence against himself and his family.
Who is Matt Dunlap?
Matt Dunlap is a long-time Democratic politician in Maine. He is the current Maine State Auditor and previously served multiple terms as Maine’s Secretary of State (2005-2011 and 2013-2021).
Is Matt Dunlap running for Congress?
Yes. Matt Dunlap initially announced on October 6, 2025, that he would challenge Jared Golden in the Democratic primary for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. Following Golden’s retirement, Dunlap is now running for the open seat.
Who will Matt Dunlap run against for Maine’s 2nd District?
While the primary fields are not finalized, the leading Republican candidate for the seat is former Maine Governor Paul LePage. It is widely expected that Dunlap and LePage will face each other in the 2026 general election.
What is Matt Dunlap’s current job?
Matt Dunlap is the current Maine State Auditor, a position he has held since November 2022.
Why was Matt Dunlap challenging Jared Golden?
Dunlap launched his primary challenge from Golden’s left, criticizing the incumbent for his moderate voting record, his willingness to side with Republicans on certain bills, and for comments seen as downplaying the threat of a Donald Trump presidency.
What is Maine’s 2nd Congressional District?
It is one of two congressional districts in Maine, covering the majority of the state’s rural northern territory. It is considered a highly competitive “toss-up” district that has voted for Donald Trump in past presidential elections.
Who is Paul LePage?
Paul LePage is a Republican politician who served as the 74th Governor of Maine from 2011 to 2019. He is known for his outspoken, conservative political style and is the leading Republican candidate for the 2nd District seat.
What did Jared Golden say about Matt Dunlap when he retired?
In his retirement announcement, Rep. Golden took a swipe at both Dunlap and Paul LePage, stating they “are a far cry from being standard bearers of the generations that will inherit the legacy of today’s Congress.”
When is the election for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District?
The general election will take place on November 3, 2026. The party primaries to select the candidates (including Matt Dunlap) will be held earlier in the year.
