LEWISTON, Maine — Jared Golden, the incumbent Democratic representative for Maine's 2nd Congressional District, declared his win at a press conference in Lewiston on Thursday morning, citing a political projection from the Bangor Daily News.
The announcement was made less than a day after Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said the decision will be made via ranked-choice runoff, with an official decision expected sometime next week.
Emily Cook, director of communication for the Maine secretary of state's office, told NEWS CENTER Maine on Thursday that Golden's announcement did not change anything.
"I am deeply honored that the people of Maine’s Second District have chosen me to represent them in Washington for another two-year term," Golden said Thursday in Lewiston. "Although Bruce Poliquin may not be willing to concede, at this point the final result is undeniably clear. The few precincts that remain cannot meaningfully alter the position of this race. In an instant runoff against Bruce Poliquin, we are confident that our lead will hold or even extend by a comfortable margin."
The Associated Press has also not yet declared victory.
Bruce Poliquin, the Republican hopeful and former U.S. representative vying for the seat, has not conceded.
Poliquin's team has not returned multiple requests for comment on Thursday.
As of Thursday morning, AP polling shows Golden at 49 percent, Poliquin at 44 percent, and Tiffany Bond, the independent third candidate in the ranked-choice race, pulling 7 percent.