AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine’s state primary Tuesday set the stage for a race within the 2nd Congressional District that may assist decide which social gathering controls the U.S. Home and Senate subsequent yr.
Consultant Jared Golden, a Democrat operating for his third time period, will face Donald Trump-backed state Consultant Austin Theriault, R-Fort Kent, within the common election in November.
In a deep crimson district that has twice voted for Trump, Golden is especially weak to a Republican problem. The Prepare dinner Political Report has rated the 2nd district race as a toss-up. It encompasses all of Maine besides the southernmost areas.
Theriault, 30, is a former NASCAR driver who obtained endorsements from each Trump and U.S. Home Speaker Mike Johnson. The day earlier than the first, Trump inspired Mainers to vote for Theriault in a post on Truth Social. Theriault beat out state Consultant Michael Soboleski, R-Phillips, within the Republican main Tuesday, 66.2% to 33.8%.
“This the distinction of my life – being chosen by the folks of the state that I like a lot,” Theriault stated in a post on X Tuesday evening. “I deeply admire the help and wish of us to know: I’m operating to combat for you. It’s time to place Folks over Politics.”
Golden, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan whereas within the Marines, publicly changed his views on gun legal guidelines after the mass taking pictures in Lewiston, Maine, in 2023. He stays a Second Modification defender however now favors ending the sale of AR-15-style rifles.
Chellie Pingree to face Ronald Russell
Maine’s 1st district, alternatively, leans closely Democratic. Veteran Ronald Russell gained the first, advancing to the November common election to face Consultant Chellie Pingree, a Democrat who has served in Washington since 2009 and was unopposed within the main.
Russell, who gained the Republican main towards Andrew Piantidosi 56.1% to 43.9%, can have an uphill battle towards the long-time congresswoman.
Who will run towards Angus King?
Republican Demi Kouzounas and Democrat David Allen Costello each gained their respective primaries, operating unopposed.
They are going to be operating towards well-liked unbiased Senator Angus King, who has represented Maine within the U.S. Senate since 2013. As an unbiased, he didn’t have a main, as an alternative qualifying for the poll by petition with over 5,000 signatures.
Jason Cherry, an unbiased and political newcomer from Unity, can even be on the final election poll in November.
This text initially appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Trump-backed candidate wins Maine primary, to face Rep. Jared Golden