ME-02: In second debate, 2nd District Democrats work to distinguish themselves
The four Democratic candidates hoping to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Jared Golden met for a second debate Thursday.
State Sen. Joe Baldacci has emerged as a leader in the field, as the latest poll from Pan Atlantic Research Survey puts him 20 points ahead of his rivals. But the other three candidates, Matt Dunlap, Paige Loud and Jordan Wood, are criticizing Baldacci’s record and said he is benefiting from help from the Democratic establishment.
The three each pushed back on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s endorsement of Baldacci earlier this month, calling the move undemocratic interference in the primary.
That tension was apparent at the News Center Maine debate, which aired Thursday evening, as candidates attempted to distinguish their positions from each other — and the trio posed for a photo together, without Baldacci, after the recording Wednesday.
https://mainemorningstar.com/2026/05/21/in-second-debate-2nd-district-democrats-work-to-distinguish-themselves/