AUGUSTA — State Auditor Matt Dunlap is challenging U.S. Rep. Jared Golden for his seat, forcing the four-term incumbent into a Democratic primary.

Dunlap, 60, is a former state lawmaker representing Old Town and former secretary of state. He is also a former executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine and a graduate of the University of Maine.

Dunlap said he took his time considering whether to run after being approached this spring by those frustrated with Golden.

“Jared Golden has had a consistent track record of voting with the Republican conference on significant policy issues that affect people for real here in Maine,” Dunlap said.

Most recently, Golden was the only Democrat in the House to support the Republican short-term budget plan to keep the government running until Nov. 21. And while the continuing resolution passed the House, most Senate Democrats oppose it, leading to the current government shutdown.

Dunlap said he agrees with the Democrats who say they want Republicans to add back funds for Affordable Care Act tax credits before they agree to the budget plan. Without the credits, many won’t be able to afford coverage, Dunlap said.

“I’ve already heard people say if that happens, they aren’t going to have any health insurance, they just can’t afford it,” Dunlap said.

Golden has said he voted for the GOP budget plan because he’s working with a bipartisan group of lawmakers to negotiate the tax credits, which don’t expire until the end of the year.

In a statement in response to Dunlap’s decision to challenge him, Golden described the 2nd Congressional District as “fiercely independent.”

“It’s one of the most ideologically diverse districts in the country, and deserves someone who represents it as it is,” Golden said. “If Matt Dunlap thinks this district will choose him over Paul LePage, he’s got another thing coming.”

LePage, the former two term Republican governor, is likely to be the GOP nominee for the district. In November 2024, Golden narrowly defeated Republican former race car driver Austin Theriault in a race decided by ranked choice voting and after a partial recount.

Dunlap said the prospect of facing LePage doesn’t concern him. He said when he talks to voters in the district, he mostly hears concerns about healthcare, tariffs, grocery prices and the economy in general.

Also, Dunlap said many have said they have trouble reaching Golden.

“People know I have a reputation of being accessible and accountable and throughout the buildup to this, this is the one thing people have said to me over and over again,” Dunlap said. “You can’t reach our congressman. He doesn’t even walk in parades anymore. He hasn’t had a town hall-style meeting in forever.”

The race for the 2nd District is a perennial toss-up that garners a fair amount of national attention. With Dunlap’s entrance into the race, it will give Golden a challenge he hasn’t had since he first ran for Congress in 2018 — a party primary.

In 2012, Dunlap finished second in the U.S. Senate Democratic primary as candidates jockeyed for the chance to fill the seat left open by the retirement of Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe. That fall, Sen. Angus King, an independent, won the seat for his first term.

Now, eight months before the June primary, Golden and Dunlap appear to be ready for a spirited fight.

Golden referred to Dunlap as a “30-year party crony” who is trying “to recreate himself as a progressive.”

Dunlap said he’s ready to work with Republicans when it makes sense for the district but that he will rely on his principles to guide his decisions. He said he’s already begun the process of talking to voters.

“What you hear is a lot of grace and courage,” Dunlap said. “When I think about the people of the 2nd District, that’s how I think of them. Graceful, courageous people who want to move forward successfully in their lives.”