Maine Democratic Rep. Jared Golden has fallen behind Republican challenger Austin Theriault in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District race, according to an Axis Research report published Wednesday by Politico. This election could tip the scales of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.
with republicans is holding With just a 221-214 majority in the House, Maine’s 2nd Congressional District is a close race between Golden, a three-term incumbent, and Theriault, a former NASCAR driver and state representative. may decide Which party will control the House of Commons in January? Mr. Thériault has changed the course of the election in recent months, going from trailing by 10 percentage points in July to leading by two points in mid-October, according to Axis Research on Wednesday. studyThat’s the combined result of three district-wide polls of likely 2024 voters. (Related article: Former NASCAR driver Austin Theriault aims to flip Democratic district in Maine)
“This is one of the most competitive races in the country,” said Erin Covey, U.S. House elections editor at Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan poll watcher. said The Portland Press Herald reported in October. “This could end up being an election where the balance of power could tilt toward one party or the other, simply because control of the House is so thin.”
new voting results #ME02 show @AustinTheriault With 2-point lead on flip-flopping radical @golden4congress.
Mainers know that Golden is too extreme.https://t.co/iMyOejACBv pic.twitter.com/ArmKdAIEOt
— NRCC (@NRCC) October 23, 2024
According to the Axis Research report, Theriault’s surge in support correlates with his increased name recognition, with 72% of Maine voters knowing of Theriault as of mid-October; As of March, it was only 39%. Mr. Thériault also received a net favorability rating, benefiting primarily from a news cycle opposed to Mr. Golden, with 43% of voters hearing unfavorable news about the parliamentary incumbent compared to positive Only 26% of people are listening to information.
Domestic political dynamics may also be working in Theriault’s favor, with former President Donald Trump’s lead over Vice President Kamala Harris in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District increasing in July, according to Axis Research. The difference expanded from 2 points to 9 points in mid-October.
“I think the Republican Party is more confident this time than in previous years because they’re Because I really like the challenger.” “I think both sides see it as a winnable race.”
Golden’s and Thériault’s camps did not respond to requests for comment.
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