Maine State Auditor Matt Dunlap announced his candidacy for Congress in Maine's 2nd District on October 6, 2025, challenging incumbent Democrat Jared Golden in a highly contested primary.

Dunlap's campaign is part of broader Democratic efforts, with organized support from progressive groups, aiming to provide voters with a genuine choice in the primary.

Dunlap emphasizes his experience in election integrity and his opposition to the Trump administration, including a successful 2018 lawsuit against Trump's voter fraud commission.

He believes he has a strong chance of winning based on his electoral history and voter sentiment, especially in a district known for its political competitiveness.

The primary is significant because the winner is likely to face Republican former Governor Paul LePage, who has strong support from the district's conservative voters and has announced his candidacy.

LePage, a former governor, has expressed support for Trump’s policies and has moved back to Maine from Florida to run for Congress, representing a major GOP challenge.

The district, the largest east of the Mississippi River, is rural, economically tied to industries like forestry and lobster fishing, and has a significant conservative base supporting LePage.

Dunlap's background includes multiple terms as Maine's Secretary of State and State Auditor, with a focus on election security and opposition to Trump's voter fraud claims.

He has a history of bipartisan support and has previously taken legal action against the Trump administration, including a lawsuit over the voter fraud commission.

Former Governor LePage, who served from 2011 to 2019 and ran unsuccessfully again in 2022, has strong support from Maine's conservative electorate and has indicated he will back Trump’s policies if elected.

Polls show Golden has a strong lead over Dunlap in hypothetical general elections, but Democratic leaders worry that Dunlap's victory could risk losing the seat to LePage.

Golden, first elected in 2018, has a mixed voting record, sometimes breaking with his party, and has faced criticism from Republicans who see vulnerabilities in his support base.