The race to succeed U.S. Representative Jared Golden in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District is intensifying, marked by significant fundraising efforts from key candidates. Recent financial disclosures reveal that former Governor Paul LePage, the leading Republican contender, has outpaced his Democratic rivals in fundraising totals for the final quarter of 2025.
LePage, who served as Maine’s governor from 2011 to 2019 and has also held the mayoral position in Waterville, announced his candidacy for the congressional seat in May 2025. Since then, he has raised over $1.2 million, including approximately $307,000 in the last quarter of the year alone. His campaign concluded December with around $851,000 on hand, reflecting a strong financial position that bolsters Republican confidence in securing this rural district, which has consistently supported former President Donald Trump in past elections. Trump endorsed LePage in December, further solidifying his standing among GOP supporters.
Democratic candidates are not far behind in their fundraising efforts. Jordan Wood, a former Capitol Hill staffer and native of Lewiston, initially launched a U.S. Senate campaign in April before pivoting to the 2nd District race. He reported raising over $4 million throughout the year. However, by the end of December, his campaign funds had diminished to around $630,000.
In addition, State Auditor Matt Dunlap, who previously served as secretary of state, raised about $290,000 after announcing his candidacy in October. His campaign had nearly $155,000 remaining as of the latest report. Dunlap entered the race with the intent to challenge Golden prior to the latter’s announcement regarding his departure from Congress.
Another Democratic contender, State Senator Joe Baldacci of Bangor, has not yet filed a fundraising report due to his late entry into the race in January. Nonetheless, his campaign claims he raised over $150,000 within just a few weeks.
As for Golden, he had more than $1.6 million available at the end of September. In November, he indicated plans to utilize his remaining funds to support Democratic candidates as well as settle outstanding campaign bills. Recent disclosures suggest that Golden has begun refunding some donors while actively endorsing candidates like Rebecca Cooke in Wisconsin, alongside committees aimed at supporting Democrats in Maine and other states.
The fundraising figures underline the competitive landscape of the race for Maine’s 2nd District, with each candidate striving to establish their viability leading into the primaries. As campaigns continue to develop, financial backing will play a critical role in shaping the strategies and outreach efforts of candidates aiming for success in the upcoming election.
