JD Vance Campaigns With Paul LePage—Ex-Governor’s Chances of Maine Comeback
LePage is running to flip Maine's 2nd Congressional District from Democrats' control.
On Monday, Vice President JD Vance campaigned with former Maine Governor Paul LePage in Brewer, Maine, highlighting President Donald Trump's economic policies. LePage is seeking a political comeback in the upcoming midterm elections for Maine's 2nd Congressional District, currently held by Democratic Representative Jared Golden, who decided to retire at the end of his term.
The district is generally Republican-leaning but has occasionally supported Democrats, including Golden, whose independent streak reflects Maine's notable political independence. Republicans are optimistic about LePage's chances of flipping the seat due to its conservative lean, which supported Trump by 9 points in the 2024 election.
However, Democrats view the race as competitive, as Golden managed to win the district, and analysts anticipate the national environment to favor Democrats with Trump's declining approval ratings. During the event at a defense manufacturing facility, Vance praised LePage's independent-minded approach and emphasized his dedication to fighting for his constituents.
LePage, who served as governor from 2011 to 2019, brings significant name recognition, while Dunlap, currently serving as state auditor, previously held the position of secretary of state. Dunlap's campaign manager, Harry Burke, cautioned that voters are aware of LePage's potential shortcomings in Congress, citing his support for Medicaid cuts, tariffs, and a foreign war that has inflated heating oil costs.
Recent polling data is limited, but internal polls suggest a narrow lead for LePage according to the University of New Hampshire survey, and a tie according to Tulchin Research. A poll sponsored by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) gave LePage a larger lead. Prediction markets, which aggregate real-money wagers into probability estimates, also favor LePage's potential victory in the district.
Maine's Second District has shifted towards Republicanism over the past few decades, having backed Trump in each of his three presidential runs since 2016, while statewide, Maine remains Democratic-leaning. With Golden's retirement providing Republicans with a better chance of flipping the seat, Republicans hope to capitalize on this opportunity in the upcoming midterms, which analysts expect will favor Democrats.
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