Retiring Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) congratulated his likely successor, Republican candidate Paul LePage, on winning Maine’s 2nd Congressional District and flipping the seat red despite the blue wave that swept the midterm elections.
“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 posted on X.
“I also know a thing or two about winning in tough circumstances,” he wrote. “So, I know you have to tip your hat to Paul LePage for winning in the midst of this Blue Tsunami. I stand ready to work with him to ensure the smooth transition that Mainers deserve.”
The statement is notable given the political animosity between Golden and Democratic candidate Matt Dunlap, who conceded to LePage on Thursday.
One month before Golden announced he wouldn’t seek another term last November, Dunlap launched a Democratic primary bid against the incumbent. In a sharp response, Golden blasted the challenge to the seat he has held since 2019.
“If Matt Dunlap thinks this district will choose him over Paul LePage, he’s got another thing coming,” he said in October 2025. “A 30-year party crony like Matt Dunlap won’t cut it.”
Golden later revealed that Dunlap had not called him before launching a campaign for the House seat. Despite his tense relationship with Dunlap, Golden did not endorse LePage.
Dunlap served as Maine secretary of state from 2013 to 2021, overlapping with LePage’s two-term tenure as Maine governor. Dunlap currently serves as the Maine state auditor.
DEMOCRAT MATT DUNLAP CONCEDES MAINE HOUSE RACE TO PAUL LEPAGE
As of Thursday afternoon, the Associated Press has not called the race in favor of LePage, but he leads Dunlap 49.9% to 48.4%. Because neither candidate won more than 50% of the vote, the election proceeded to ranked-choice voting tabulation. Dunlap said his campaign does not anticipate these votes will change the outcome of the close race.
LePage expects to become the congressman-elect once all votes are counted. The Republican candidate’s senior adviser said his “vote margin is extremely large,” leading his opponent by over 4,400 votes. Since that statement, LePage extended his lead by 5,000 votes.