State Senator Joe Baldacci is preparing to announce his candidacy for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, a pivotal race that could significantly impact the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. Baldacci, a Democrat from Bangor, indicated on Friday that he will reveal his intentions late next week, stating, “I’m actively working on it, talking to people and putting together a winning team, but the final decision will come later next week.”
The senator emphasized that the final decision hinges on discussions with his family, who have largely supported his potential campaign. “They have generally given me the go-ahead,” Baldacci added, noting that he is in the final stages of preparing for this new political endeavor.
Baldacci’s potential candidacy has been a topic of speculation for months. Following an analysis by a pollster indicating his viability as a candidate for the traditionally conservative seat, Baldacci responded with enthusiasm, posting on Facebook, “Let’s do it!” However, he later clarified that this comment should not be interpreted as a formal confirmation of his intent to run.
Should Baldacci officially enter the race and secure the Democratic nomination, he would likely face a formidable opponent in the general election. Paul LePage, the former Republican governor of Maine and an ally of Donald Trump, is expected to be a key contender, particularly after Representative Jared Golden announced he will not seek reelection for the seat.
As of now, Baldacci has not filed the necessary campaign paperwork with the Federal Election Commission. For months, he has navigated the political landscape, previously expressing a desire to see if Troy Jackson, a former state Senate president, would withdraw from the gubernatorial race to pursue the Congressional seat. Jackson has yet to make a decision on that front.
Democrats are actively seeking a candidate to fill the void left by Golden, who was elected in a district that President Trump carried by nine points in the 2024 election. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is reportedly working to recruit viable candidates for this competitive race.
Baldacci commissioned a poll in November, which revealed he was only one point behind LePage, with results showing 43% support for him compared to 44% for the former governor. In the same poll, he showed strong support against potential primary challengers, although nearly 40% of primary voters remained undecided.
If Baldacci decides to run, he will face competition not only from LePage but also from other Democratic candidates. Notable among them are Matt Dunlap, the current State Auditor and former Secretary of State, and Jordan Wood, a congressional aide who has shifted his focus from a U.S. Senate bid to the 2nd District House seat. Additionally, Paige Loud, a social worker at the University of Maine, and Louis Sigel, an 81-year-old candidate, have filed the necessary paperwork to run.
Baldacci is currently serving his third term in the Maine State Senate. His political career includes 12 years on Bangor’s City Council, with two terms as mayor and council chair. He previously ran for Congress in 2016 but was unsuccessful. His brother, John Baldacci, served as the 2nd District representative from 1995 to 2003 before becoming governor of Maine.
As the race develops, all eyes will be on Baldacci’s forthcoming announcement, which could set the stage for a highly competitive contest in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District.