ME-02: Four candidates are running in the Democratic primary for Maine's 2nd Congressional District

Four candidates are running in the Democratic primary for Maine's 2nd Congressional District on June 9, 2026. Joe Baldacci (D), Matthew Dunlap (D), Paige Loud (D), and Jordan Wood (D). Baldacci, Dunlap, and Wood have led in fundraising, media attention, and polling. Incumbent Jared Golden (D) is retiring from public office.

Maine Public's Kevin Miller wrote, "Maine's 2nd District is a perennial battleground between the two national parties. Golden, a centrist Democrat often willing to buck his own party leadership, has held the seat for seven years despite the district's increasingly conservative lean."

In 2024, Donald Trump (R) won the district over Kamala Harris (D) 53.5% to 44.5%. Golden won re-election that year, defeating Austin Theriault (R) with 50.3% of the vote, or about 2,700 votes. According to an analysis from The University of Virginia's Center for Politics, Golden represents the most Republican-leaning Democratic-held district. The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter wrote that Golden's retirement "gives Republicans a much better chance at [winning the 2nd District] ... that has largely voted for Republicans in statewide races over the past decade."

Baldacci was elected to the state Senate in 2020. Baldacci says he is running "because Maine needs a fighter in Washington D.C. — someone who understands what it means when groceries, health care, and housing become unaffordable, and who will actually do something about it." He is campaigning to preserve Social Security and Medicare, and his campaign website says, "We need to protect your benefits while ensuring that generations to come are able to enjoy the fruits of their labor." Baldacci says, "As city councilor and mayor, I have fought Paul LePage and won, and in November, you can count on me to beat him again."



https://news.ballotpedia.org/2026/04/16/four-candidates-are-running-in-the-democratic-primary-for-maines-2nd-congressional-district/