AUGUSTA, Maine — Editor's note: The two candidates in the race for Maine's 2nd Congressional District squared off Monday night in a forum here on NEWS CENTER Maine.
It was an hourlong discussion moderated by Rob Caldwell with incumbent Democrat Jared Golden and his Republican challenger Austin Theriault.
If you watched it live, you know Theriault's closing statement was cut off by a commercial break. It was caused by a timing error in our computer system, for which we take full responsibility. It's an error we want to correct right now.
Here are their closing statements in their entirety:
The race for Congress in Maine's Second District is among the most contentious in the country this election cycle, and it's considered a "tossup," according to the Cook Political Report. As of June, more than $5 million had been pumped into the race from both sides.
Golden, a three-term incumbent, is facing fierce opposition from Republicans.
Among the top issues: economy, social security, and guns.
The district includes the city of Lewiston, where 18 people were killed and 13 others were injured in the deadliest shooting in our state's history.
Jared Golden (D)
About The Candidate:
- 42 years old
- Grew up in Leeds
- Marine, who served combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq
- Lives in Lewiston with wife, Isobel, and two daughters Rosemary and Shirley
- Served in Maine House of Representatives from 2014-2018
- Elected to Congress (defeating incumbent Bruce Poliquin after ranked-choice runoff) in 2018, re-elected in 2020, re-elected in 2022
The Issues:
- “Reforming Campaign Finance”
- “Expanding Healthcare Coverage”
- “Supporting Maine Seniors”
- “Standing Up for Workers and Good Jobs”
- “Serving Our Veterans and Protecting Our National Security”
- “Protecting Our Environment”
You can learn more about the candidate on his campaign website at jaredgoldenforcongress.com.
Austin Theriault (R)
About The Candidate:
- 30 years old
- Born and raised in Fort Kent
- Former NASCAR Driver/small business owner
- Elected to Maine House of Representatives in 2023
- Served on Transportation Committee
The Issues:
- “Secure the border”
- Gun rights and “Second Amendment”
- “Stop Biden’s electric vehicle mandate”
- “Bring back American manufacturing”
You can learn more about the candidate on his campaign website at austinformaine.com.
Voice of the Voter Forum
Golden and Theriault will face off in NEWS CENTER Maine's Voice of the Voter Forum at 7 p.m. Oct. 7.
Watch the forum live by streaming NEWS CENTER Maine+ or on air. Not able to watch live? The full video will be available on-demand on NEWS CENTER Maine+ after it airs.