Former Marine and a NASCAR driver compete for a pivotal congressional seat in Maine

LEWISTON, Maine– Maine Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, a moderate known for defying party orthodoxy, is defending his seat in Congress against Austin Theriault, a stock car driver and Republican state lawmaker.

The meeting between Golden and Theriault is one of a few pivotal races with a chance to sway control of the U.S. House of Representatives during a competitive election year. The contest has played out in the largest congressional district by area on the East Coast, in a largely rural part of Maine where former President Donald Trump has proven very popular with voters.

Golden is a former Marine who is in his third term representing the 2nd Congressional District, which is commonly described as a swing district. The district covers much of Maine and includes a handful of small towns, but is perhaps best known as the home of traditional northern New England industries such as lobster fishing and logging.

Golden said he hoped to retain his supporters and win re-election by touting his ability to work with members of both political parties. He also made his case on behalf of the lobster industry, which is the lifeblood of the region’s economy.

“I have been one of the most independent-minded members of Congress, one of the most bipartisan,” Golden said during an October debate, adding that he voted against President Joe Biden more “than any other Democrat in the House of Representatives.” Delegates, too.” Representatives.”

Theriault, who was first elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 2022, spent much of the campaign portraying Golden as too liberal for the district. While Theriault had Trump’s support, he also tried to portray himself as a potential unifier during a divisive time in Washington.

“We need more balance and less extremism in Washington,” the NASCAR driver said during the October debate. “I’m someone who can go out there and get the job done. I want to stand up for everyone.”

Golden was first elected to Congress in 2018, when he needed a ranked vote count to defeat incumbent Republican Rep. Bruce Poliquin. Golden has since been re-elected twice, including defeating Poliquin without the need for a ranking in 2022.

Golden’s 2018 victory marked the first time a member of Congress was elected via ranked choice voting. Voting method is unlikely to play a role in this year’s election as there is no third-party candidate on the ballot. Registration candidates are still possible.

Golden has retained his seat despite Trump dominating the district during the recent presidential election. Maine is one of the two states to divide the electoral votes by congressional district – Nebraska is the other – and Trump has twice won his sole electoral vote in New England in Maine’s second district.

Maine’s other electoral votes — two for the statewide vote and one for the 1st Congressional District — went to the Democratic candidate because the 1st District is centered around Portland, the largest city in the state and a liberal stronghold. Golden ran campaign ads during the race with Theriault about his willingness to work with Trump for the good of the 2nd District.

In the 1st Congressional District, Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree to her ninth term against Republican challenger Ron Russell and independent Ethan Alcorn.