Federal

U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District

Vote for: 1
Term: 2 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A member of the U.S. House of Representatives votes on federal laws, taxes and spending on behalf of the district.

Ranked-choice voting: voters may rank the candidates. Open seat: Rep. Jared Golden is not on the ballot. One declared write-in candidate filed for this office.

Candidates Compare by issue

Matthew G. Dunlap

Democratic

Maine State Auditor · Old Town

The gist

Supports reversing Medicaid cuts and moving to Medicare for All.
Proposes eliminating the Social Security payroll tax cap.
Supports restoring the Inflation Reduction Act's clean energy tax credits.
Supports legislation protecting Justice Department independence.
Opposes banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
Opposes requiring photo ID to vote.

More about Matthew

View sources (1)

Supports reversing Medicaid cuts and moving to Medicare for All.
Your Vote 2026 profile: Matt Dunlap, Democrat for 2nd District
Candidate questionnaire · Maine Public · Apr 19, 2026 · mainepublic.org
“We need to restore those cuts and move toward a Medicare for All system that actually brings down healthcare costs for working families.”
Proposes eliminating the Social Security payroll tax cap.
Your Vote 2026 profile: Matt Dunlap, Democrat for 2nd District
Candidate questionnaire · Maine Public · Apr 19, 2026 · mainepublic.org
“We need to eliminate that cap to ensure the wealthiest are paying their fair share”
Supports restoring the Inflation Reduction Act's clean energy tax credits.
Your Vote 2026 profile: Matt Dunlap, Democrat for 2nd District
Candidate questionnaire · Maine Public · Apr 19, 2026 · mainepublic.org
“I would support restoring the Inflation Reduction Act's tax credits.”
Supports legislation protecting Justice Department independence.
Your Vote 2026 profile: Matt Dunlap, Democrat for 2nd District
Candidate questionnaire · Maine Public · Apr 19, 2026 · mainepublic.org
“I'll work with my colleagues to put legislation in place that protects the independence of our DOJ and intelligence agencies.”
Opposes banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
Your Vote 2026 profile: Matt Dunlap, Democrat for 2nd District
Candidate questionnaire · Maine Public · Apr 19, 2026 · Lightning round: answered No · mainepublic.org
“Do you think that assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and bump stocks should be banned?”
Opposes requiring photo ID to vote.
Your Vote 2026 profile: Matt Dunlap, Democrat for 2nd District
Candidate questionnaire · Maine Public · Apr 19, 2026 · Lightning round: answered No · mainepublic.org
“Should it be necessary to provide a photo ID in order to vote?”

Paul R. LePage

Republican

Former Governor of Maine · Augusta

The gist

Pledges to finish the border wall and end illegal immigration.
Pledges to cut wasteful federal spending to curb inflation.
Pledges to defend Second Amendment rights.
Pledges to protect Social Security and Medicare.
Supports buying and trading cryptocurrency without added regulation.
Pledges to protect veterans' health care and benefits.

More about Paul

View sources (1)

Pledges to finish the border wall and end illegal immigration.
LePage for Congress
Campaign website · Paul LePage for Congress · lepageforcongress.com
“Paul will fight to finish the wall, end illegal immigration, and restore law and order.”
Pledges to cut wasteful federal spending to curb inflation.
LePage for Congress
Campaign website · Paul LePage for Congress · lepageforcongress.com
“He will work to eliminate wasteful spending which drove up inflation under Biden.”
Pledges to defend Second Amendment rights.
LePage for Congress
Campaign website · Paul LePage for Congress · lepageforcongress.com
“Paul will defend your Second Amendment rights, fight government overreach, and stand up for parents and families.”
Pledges to protect Social Security and Medicare.
LePage for Congress
Campaign website · Paul LePage for Congress · lepageforcongress.com
“Paul has always protected, and will always protect, Social Security and Medicare.”
Supports buying and trading cryptocurrency without added regulation.
LePage for Congress
Campaign website · Paul LePage for Congress · lepageforcongress.com
“Paul supports the right of Americans to buy, trade, and invest in cryptocurrency without unnecessary government interference.”
Pledges to protect veterans' health care and benefits.
LePage for Congress
Campaign website · Paul LePage for Congress · lepageforcongress.com
“In Congress, Paul will fight to protect Veterans healthcare and the benefits earned by the men and women who served.”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 6 issues covered in this race.