Maine Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, a moderate who won a district that Donald Trump carried in 2024, now faces a significant challenge from the left in his bid for reelection. State Auditor Matt Dunlap, a former state representative, has stepped into the race, launching his campaign after months of speculation and leaked polling data that suggested he was trailing Republican former Gov. Paul LePage in general election matchups. The political drama has intensified as Dunlap, who previously served in the state legislature, claims Golden’s recent alignment with Republican positions has compromised his ability to represent the district’s interests.
Dunlap’s campaign has taken shape with clear messaging, targeting Golden’s perceived compromises on key issues. He has accused Golden of being ‘one of the only Democrats to vote with Republicans on these key issues,’ a claim Golden has repeatedly denied, emphasizing his efforts to balance bipartisan support. Despite these accusations, Golden has remained resilient, arguing that Dunlap’s political history and establishment ties make him an unsuitable opponent for LePage. In a statement, Golden described Dunlap as a ’30-year party crony’ with a ‘pro-life Democrat’ past, a label that Dunlap’s allies have quickly refuted, declaring his long-standing pro-choice advocacy.
The challenge poses a unique threat to Golden, who had previously held a relatively secure position in a district that leaned toward Trump in 2024. However, the presence of a left-wing primary challenger could complicate his path to reelection, particularly with Republicans eager to flip the seat. National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Maureen O’Toole has welcomed Dunlap’s candidacy, calling it a direct challenge to Golden’s incumbency. With the 2026 election approaching, the race has become a focal point for both party strategies, highlighting the deepening polarization in key congressional districts.