BANGOR, Maine — As former President Donald Trump clinches a decisive primary victory in Maine on Super Tuesday, the implications of his victory could spread to the race for the state’s second congressional district.
Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat who has served for three terms in an area of the state that went for Trump in 2016 and 2020, has built a coalition dependent on moderate and Republican voters in the sprawling, deeply rural district.
Golden seems poised to pick up some of those votes again, like from veteran and Trump supporter Michael Greenwood.
"He'll stand up for what is appropriate," Greenwood said on Tuesday in Brewer.
Across the river in Bangor, there was a similar feeling of allegiance among Republicans to the Democratic incumbent.
"I will vote for a Democrat if I feel like they’re the best person for the job. I’ve voted for Golden ever since he came into office," Kathy Percival, a registered Republican who leans independent, said.
But two major changes have taken place over the last several years that some believe could hamper Golden’s chances at rebuilding a broad spectrum base once again.
First, Golden faces staunch pro-Trump challengers Austin Theriault and Michael Soboleski, both state representatives, at a time when the former president exerts vast dominance over the GOP. Theriault and Soboleski are pitching competing platforms that are both deeply conservative and hope to consolidate a Republican base in the second congressional district that seeks to be as unified in its choice for Congress as it has been for president.
This all comes at a particularly sensitive time. Last fall, Golden announced support for an assault weapons ban in the wake of the Lewiston mass shooting, which left 18 people dead. It's a move to the left that's alienated some GOP voters who might otherwise vote for Golden.
"Laws and, or further legislation, I don't think is the problem," Robert Staples, who cast his vote for Nikki Haley in the Republican primary, said Tuesday.
Can Golden hold on to the bright red district at a time when Trump is resurgent and some see the congressman as more liberal?
The primaries for the second congressional district will take place in June. The general election will be held in November.