Maine’s 2nd District Sees New Political Contender Enter the Race

Red Republican elephant sign on U.S. flag.

Former Maine Governor Paul LePage has officially launched his campaign for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, facing off against incumbent Democrat Jared Golden in what promises to be one of the nation’s most watched races for 2026.

Key Takeaways

Former two-term Governor Paul LePage filed paperwork with the FEC to run for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District.
LePage’s campaign focuses on supporting Trump’s agenda, opposing “woke policies,” protecting the 2nd Amendment, and addressing economic concerns.
Current Representative Jared Golden, who won his seat by less than 3,000 votes in 2024, is reportedly considering a gubernatorial run.
Republicans view Maine’s 2nd District as a prime opportunity to flip a Democratic seat in 2026.
LePage lost his 2022 gubernatorial comeback bid against Democrat Janet Mills, receiving 42.4% of the vote against Mills’ 55.7%.

LePage Returns to the Political Arena

Paul LePage, Maine’s former Republican governor known for his blunt style and conservative policies, has officially entered the race for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. LePage filed the necessary paperwork with the Federal Election Commission, creating both a campaign committee and the “LePage Victory Fund.” The former governor made his announcement official through his Facebook page, where he outlined his reasons for seeking the congressional seat currently held by Democrat Jared Golden, who is serving his fourth term.

After his 2022 gubernatorial defeat to Janet Mills, LePage had reportedly stated he was “done with politics.” However, his return to the political arena signals renewed Republican interest in flipping the competitive 2nd District. LePage previously served as governor from 2011 to 2019, where he developed a reputation for conservative fiscal policies, reducing the size of government, and frequently sparking controversy with his unfiltered remarks and confrontational style.

Former Maine Gov. Paul LePage has announced he is running for Congress. “I do not need a job, I am running to protect our Maine jobs,” he said. https://t.co/HJUzELRmex

— CBS 13 News (@WGME) May 5, 2025

Campaign Priorities and Political Landscape

During his announcement, LePage emphasized the need for new leadership in Washington to support President Trump’s agenda against what he described as “entrenched interests.” His platform focuses on fiscal conservatism, job creation, and protecting traditional values while opposing progressive policies. LePage is positioning himself as a straight-talking business leader who understands the economic challenges facing Mainers.

The timing of LePage’s announcement is strategic, as incumbent Rep. Jared Golden is reportedly considering a run for governor when Janet Mills reaches her term limit. Golden has established himself as one of the more moderate Democrats in Congress, which has helped him maintain his seat in the right-leaning district. However, his narrow victory margin of less than 3,000 votes in 2024 suggests vulnerability, particularly if national trends continue to favor Republicans in rural districts.

LePage’s Political Background and Controversies

LePage brings a varied political resume to the race, having served as a city councilor and mayor of Waterville before becoming governor. During his gubernatorial tenure, he achieved significant policy victories, including reducing income taxes, decreasing welfare enrollment, and shrinking government. However, his administration was also marked by numerous controversies, including accusations of racially inflammatory remarks and contentious relationships with the media, Democrats, and even some fellow Republicans.

Since leaving the governor’s office in 2019 due to term limits, LePage has primarily resided in Florida, though he re-established Maine residency before his unsuccessful 2022 gubernatorial campaign. This residency issue may become a point of contention during the congressional campaign, as opponents could question his commitment to the district. Nevertheless, LePage maintains strong support among conservative voters in Maine’s 2nd District, which encompasses much of the state’s rural areas.

The Political Stakes

David Whitney, a Republican National Committee member, has already highlighted the significance of LePage’s candidacy, while the former governor’s strategist, Brent Littlefield, indicated that more information about the campaign would be forthcoming. Political analysts note that if Golden does vacate his seat to run for governor, Republicans would be strongly favored to win the district, particularly with a well-known figure like LePage on the ballot.

Maine’s 2nd Congressional District has become one of the nation’s most closely watched swing districts, toggling between parties as rural voters increasingly align with Republicans while some urban areas trend Democratic. The contest promises to be expensive and hard-fought, with national resources likely pouring in from both parties as they see the seat as critical to control of the House of Representatives after the 2026 midterms.