LePage wins Maine Republican nod in key US House battleground

June 9, 2026 8:20 PM EDT

Former Maine Gov. Paul LePage attends a "Protecting Taxpayer Dollars" event, in Bangor, Maine, U.S., May 14, 2026. REUTERS/Taylor Coester

June 9 (Reuters) - Former ‌Maine Governor ​Paul ​LePage won the Republican nomination on Tuesday to run in the state’s ‌2nd Congressional District, U.S. media projected, setting ⁠up a November contest in a race that ‌could help decide control ‌of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The district, which covers much of Maine’s forested interior, ​is considered a key battleground and one of a handful of competitive seats likely ⁠to play a decisive role in determining the balance of ​power in Congress.

LePage, a combative political figure who served two terms as governor, ​is seeking a return ‌to elected office and is expected to mount a high-profile campaign.

He will ⁠face the Democratic nominee emerging from a crowded primary field that included state Senator Joe Baldacci ⁠and progressives Matt Dunlap, Jordan Wood and Paige Loud.

The ​seat will be open following the decision of centrist Democrat Jared Golden to not run for re-election. ‌He had managed to hold the district despite its Republican leanings in ‌presidential elections.

As with other Maine races, the ⁠final outcome may take ‌time to ​confirm because of the state’s ranked-choice voting system.

(Editing by Michael Learmonth and Howard ‌Goller)



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