A former Marine and a NASCAR driver are vying for a key congressional seat in Maine

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

The duel between Golden and Theriault is one of a few crucial races with a chance of influencing control of the U.S. House of Representatives in a closely contested election year. The contest took place 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 popular with voters.

Golden is a former Marine who is in his third term representing the 2nd Congressional District, commonly referred to as the swing district. The county covers a large swath of Maine, including 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 hopes to retain his supporters and win reelection by touting his ability to work with members of both political parties. He also made clear his commitment to the lobster industry, which is the lifeblood of the region's economy.

“I have been one of the most independent and bipartisan members of Congress,” Golden said during a debate in October, adding that he voted against President Joe Biden “more than any other Democrat in the House of 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. Although Theriault enjoyed Trump's support, he also sought 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 ranked-choice voting to defeat incumbent Republican Rep. Bruce Poliquin. Golden has since been re-elected twice, including defeating Poliquin in 2022 without the need for ranking.

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

Golden retained his seat even though Trump dominated the district in the recent presidential election. Maine is one of two states that split electoral votes by congressional district – Nebraska is the other – and Trump has twice won his only New England electoral vote in Maine's 2nd 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 state's largest city and a liberal stronghold. Golden ran campaign ads during the race with Theriault about his willingness to work with Trump for the benefit of the 2nd District.

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