Former Maine Gov. Paul LePage declared victory in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District on Nov. 4 after Democrat Matt Dunlap conceded the race on Nov. 5. LePage, a Republican, will succeed retiring Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, who did not seek reelection. The district, which has voted for former President Donald Trump in prior elections, will now be represented by a Republican for the first time since Golden’s election in 2018.
Ranked-choice voting triggers second round
Election officials announced on Nov. 5 that the race would proceed to a ranked-choice tabulation after LePage and Dunlap each fell short of the 50% threshold in the initial count. LePage held a narrow lead of 49.89% to Dunlap’s 48.3%, with 123 write-in ballots and 6,017 blank votes recorded. Dunlap stated in a concession that he did not expect the ranked-choice process to alter the outcome.
LePage’s victory marks rare GOP gain
LePage’s win is the only Republican pickup in a non-redistricted House seat during the 2026 midterms, according to reporting. Republicans failed to flip more than three seats nationwide, despite gerrymandering efforts in states like Texas and Florida, where new maps aimed to secure additional seats for the GOP. Several Republican incumbents, including Reps. Mike Lawler (NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), also lost their races.
Golden congratulates successor
Golden, who represented the district since 2019, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Nov. 5: “Four times, the people of Maine’s 2nd District chose me to represent them in Congress. I know what an incredible honor it is to earn their trust. For their faith, I will always be thankful.” Golden did not seek reelection after facing a primary challenge from Dunlap.
LePage’s political background
LePage, 78, served as Maine’s governor from 2011 to 2019 and ran unsuccessfully for a third non-consecutive term in 2022. He was endorsed by the Tea Party during his initial gubernatorial campaign and carried Maine’s 2nd District by a 60% margin in 2022 despite losing the statewide race. His campaign emphasized working across party lines, with senior advisor Brent Littlefield stating: “Paul LePage looks forward to working for all of the people in Maine’s 2nd District. He will work with anyone, regardless of Party, to put Maine first.”
District’s partisan shift
Maine’s 2nd District has historically elected Democrats despite voting for Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024. Golden, a Blue Dog Democrat, frequently broke with his party on key votes. His decision not to seek reelection followed a competitive primary against Dunlap, the state auditor.
Dunlap’s concession came hours after the secretary of state confirmed the ranked-choice tabulation. He stated: “Congratulations to Paul LePage, I wish him the best,” adding that the campaign did not anticipate the second round would change the result. LePage declared victory on Nov. 4, citing early vote totals provided by town clerks.
As of the latest count, LePage held 50% of the vote with 95% of ballots reported, while Dunlap had 49%. The Associated Press had not called the race at the time of LePage’s declaration.