Rep. Jared Golden’s congressional seat is on shaky ground as Maine’s political winds shift towards the right, according to Breitbart.
Jared Golden, a fourth-term Democrat from Maine’s Second Congressional District, faces a double threat: a potential 2026 showdown with former Gov. Paul LePage and a brewing primary fight with Matt Dunlap. Polls show Golden struggling to hold his ground.
Golden’s troubles start within his own party, where former Secretary of State Matt Dunlap is eyeing a primary challenge. Democratic leaders tried to nudge Dunlap out of the race, but their efforts only seemed to fuel his resolve.
A poll from Aug. 11-12, 2025, surveying 388 likely Democratic primary voters, paints a grim picture for Golden. His favorable rating limps at 46%, barely outpacing an unfavorable 42%. That net +4 rating signals a congressman teetering on the edge.
Matt Dunlap, by contrast, enjoys a net +20 rating, with 31% favorable and just 11% unfavorable. In a head-to-head primary matchup, Golden edges Dunlap 39% to 37%, but a hefty 25% of voters remain undecided. That’s a red flag for an incumbent.
The poll reveals why Golden’s grip is slipping: 76% of Democratic primary voters say he’s not doing enough to counter Trump and MAGA Republicans. Golden’s wishy-washy stances on hot-button issues don’t help his cause.
Golden’s been caught waffling on issues like gender ideology, immigration policies, and gun rights. This flip-flopping has left Democratic voters questioning his spine, especially when they’re craving a fighter against the progressive agenda. It’s a self-inflicted wound that’s hard to ignore.
Adding to Golden’s woes, 90% of his individual campaign contributions in the first two quarters came from outside Maine. That kind of out-of-state cash flow raises eyebrows among locals who want a congressman rooted in their values. It’s a disconnect that could cost him dearly.
Meanwhile, Dunlap’s campaign is gaining traction, capitalizing on Golden’s perceived weaknesses. The former Secretary of State’s cleaner image and steadier positions make him a formidable foe. Democratic voters seem hungry for a fresh face.
Looking ahead to 2026, Golden faces an even bigger hurdle in Paul LePage, Maine’s former two-term governor.
LePage, a Republican heavyweight, is poised to make Golden’s re-election bid a brutal slog. Two separate polls already show Golden trailing in a head-to-head matchup.
LePage’s brand of no-nonsense conservatism resonates with Maine voters tired of Golden’s indecision. His track record as governor gives him a leg up in a state that leans pragmatic over ideological. Golden’s got a steep hill to climb.
The Democratic establishment’s attempt to strong-arm Dunlap out of the primary race has backfired spectacularly.
Instead of folding, Dunlap doubled down, sensing Golden’s vulnerability. It’s a classic case of party elites misreading the room.
Golden’s net +4 favorability rating is a far cry from the kind of numbers an incumbent needs to feel secure. With a quarter of Democratic voters still on the fence, he’s got to shore up his base fast. But that’s easier said than done when your own party thinks you’re not fighting hard enough.
The congressman’s reliance on out-of-state donors only deepens the perception that he’s out of touch with Maine’s heartland. Voters in the Second District want someone who gets their struggles, not someone bankrolled by coastal elites. Golden’s got to reconnect, and quick.