Maine Rep Jared Golden Faces Primary Challenge Over GOP Vote

Maine Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, known for his conservative stances and willingness to cross party lines, is facing a primary challenge from State Auditor Matthew Dunlap. Dunlap criticizes Golden for supporting a Republican-led government funding bill that would cut Affordable Care Act subsidies, potentially raising health care premiums and causing thousands in Maine to lose insurance. Golden defended his vote by blaming far-left groups for the government shutdown and emphasized his representation of a politically diverse district. Dunlap, a former Maine Secretary of State, also condemned Golden's past support for the GOP's SAVE Act, which required citizenship verification to vote, calling it incomprehensible. Despite national Democrats urging unity to hold the competitive 2nd District seat, Dunlap is running on a platform opposing Trump and advocating for Medicare for All and other progressive policies. Golden maintains he better represents the district's independent nature and warned Dunlap that his candidacy could jeopardize the seat against Republican Paul LePage.