State Senator Joe Baldacci, a Democrat from Bangor, has indicated his intention to announce a potential candidacy for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives next week. In a conversation with the Press Herald on Friday, he mentioned he is actively working on assembling a campaign team and engaging with supporters, 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.”
Baldacci, who has been considering a run for some time, revealed that his family’s support has played a significant role in his decision-making process. He noted, “They have generally given me the go-ahead,” and confirmed that they are in the final stages of preparing for the announcement.
Rumors about Baldacci’s potential candidacy have circulated for months. Following an analysis from a pollster suggesting he could be a “viable” candidate for the seat, Baldacci posted on Facebook, “Let’s do it!” Although he later clarified that this message was not an official confirmation of his candidacy, it has certainly fueled speculation.
If Baldacci officially enters the race and secures the Democratic nomination, he is likely to face Paul LePage, the former Republican governor of Maine and an ally of former President Donald Trump. LePage is expected to be a formidable opponent in the November general election.
Currently, Baldacci has not filed any campaign documents with the Federal Elections Commission. Throughout the past months, he has been cautious about committing to a higher office, previously stating that he was waiting to see if Troy Jackson, the former state Senate President, would withdraw from the gubernatorial race to pursue the congressional seat. Jackson has not yet made a decision regarding his candidacy.
In November, Baldacci commissioned a poll to gauge his standing in the race. The results, made public in December, revealed a close contest, with Baldacci trailing LePage by just one percentage point, at 43% to 44%. The poll also indicated strong support for Baldacci among potential primary voters, although nearly 40% of them remained undecided.
The search for a Democratic candidate to represent Maine’s 2nd District has gained urgency following the announcement that Jared Golden will not seek reelection. Golden’s departure has left a significant vacancy in what is expected to be one of the most challenging congressional seats for Democrats to retain. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, a national organization focused on electing Democrats to the House, is reportedly “actively recruiting” candidates to fill this critical position.
Golden’s decision has reshaped the dynamics of the race, particularly as the 2nd District was won by Trump in the 2024 election by a margin of nine points, highlighting the competitive nature of the upcoming contest.
Should Baldacci decide to run, he will face stiff competition for the Democratic nomination from several candidates, including current State Auditor Matt Dunlap and congressional aide Jordan Wood, who recently shifted focus from a U.S. Senate bid to the congressional seat. Other Democratic candidates, such as social worker Paige Loud and 81-year-old Louis Sigel, have also filed the necessary paperwork to run for Congress.
Baldacci is currently serving his third term as a state senator and has an extensive political background, including twelve years on Bangor’s City Council, where he held positions as both mayor and council chair. In 2016, he unsuccessfully sought a seat in Congress. His brother, John Baldacci, represented Maine’s 2nd District from 1995 to 2003 before serving two terms as governor.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Baldacci as he prepares to make his announcement next week. The implications of this race extend beyond Maine, as both parties view the outcome as critical to shaping the balance of power in Congress.
