Matt Dunlap Wins Maine Democratic Primary Using Ranked-Choice Voting, June 19

Maine’s state auditor Matt Dunlap won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. House seat in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District on June 19 after a ranked-choice runoff. Dunlap finished second after first-choice votes but surpassed state Senator Joe Baldacci once voters’ second and third preferences were counted. The race matters because the district is a key battleground. Trump won it by 9 points in 2024, yet Democrats held the seat for years. Dunlap will face former Republican Governor Paul LePage in November.

How Ranked-Choice Voting Changed the Race

Dunlap trailed Baldacci by roughly 2,000 votes after first-choice ballots were counted on June 9. But the race was decided by ranked-choice tabulation, which counted voters’ second and third preferences. Paige Loud was eliminated first, followed by congressional aide Jordan Wood. Less than 600 votes separated the top three candidates before the final round. Dunlap won with 35,924 votes, or 52%, versus Baldacci’s 32,555 votes, or 48%.

Why This District Matters for Congress

Maine’s 2nd District is one of the nation’s most competitive House races. The seat opened when Democratic Representative Jared Golden announced in November 2025 that he would not seek reelection. Trump carried the district in three straight presidential elections, winning by 9 points in 2024. Yet Democrats held the seat for years under Golden. The Cook Political Report classifies it as a likely Republican district, making it a top target for both parties.

Dunlap’s Progressive Platform Versus Establishment Pick

Dunlap ran as a progressive, embracing Medicare for All and affordable childcare. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee backed Baldacci, the establishment pick and son of a former governor. Dunlap and two other candidates attacked Baldacci in the final campaign weeks, which may have driven Wood’s supporters to rank Dunlap second. Dunlap, 61, served as Maine’s secretary of state and was Bernie Sanders’ Maine co-chair in 2016.

The General Election Matchup

Dunlap will face LePage, who faced no Republican primary opposition. LePage, a two-term former governor, has split his residency between Maine and Florida. Dunlap has already signaled his attack line, saying LePage only comes to Maine from his Florida home to run for office. The National Republican Campaign Committee called LePage a proven fighter and labeled Dunlap an incompetent radical.

Final Thoughts

Dunlap’s ranked-choice victory signals the progressive wing’s strength in Maine Democrats. The November race will test whether a progressive can hold a Trump-won district against a Republican ex-governor in a swing state.

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