AUGUSTA — State Sen. Joe Baldacci is leading the Democratic pack in the race to be the candidate who faces former Republican Gov. Paul LePage in the 2nd Congressional District.

The Pan Atlantic Omnibus Poll released this week show Baldacci at 36%, state Auditor Matt Dunlap at 14% and former congressional staffer Jordan Wood at 12%.

That leaves a plurality — 38% — in the undecided category.

The poll is the latest data point in the traditionally competitive 2nd District, a seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat. Golden dropped out of the race in November, creating an open seat. 

Baldacci, the brother of former two-term Gov. John Baldacci, is a Bangor attorney who joined the race in January. Baldacci, Dunlap and Wood are competing in the June 9 primary for the right to face LePage, a two-term Republican governor.

A University of New Hampshire poll released Feb. 24 surveyed hypothetical matchups between LePage and each of the Democrats.

That poll found LePage at 48% and Baldacci at 47%; LePage at 47% and Dunlap at 46% and LePage at 48% and Wood at 44%.

The pollsters described the races as “effectively tied” and within the poll’s margin of error. 

The November contest will be closely watched as Republicans hope to hold on to power in Washington and Democrats look to take control during the midterm election.