AUGUSTA — Democrat Matt Dunlap is challenging former Republican Gov. Paul LePage to four debates this fall, with the aim of trading barbs in all corners of the sprawling 2nd Congressional District.

Dunlap, a former state lawmaker and current State Auditor, said in a statement that he hopes to debate LePage Bangor and Lewiston, along with events in northern and Downeast Maine.

He said his campaign has already committed to debates on Oct. 1 and Oct. 15.

“I’m proposing four debates spread across Maine to give every voter a chance to hear from both candidates,” Dunlap said. “I’m surprised that Paul LePage is ducking debates and refusing to have an honest discussion on the issues. Maine deserves better.” 

In response, LePage spokesman Brent Littlefield said the campaign has reached out to news outlets to schedule debates and is evaluating the options.

“Gov. LePage will absolutely debate Dunlap, who failed the auditor exam multiple times, was forced to leave office, and who let welfare fraud perpetuate on his watch,” Littlefield said.

Both men are competing for the right to represent the 2nd District, a seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat.

Dunlap entered the race last year to challenge Golden in a primary, but Golden announced in November that he would not seek reelection. Dunlap then won a highly competitive primary in June against three others to become the nominee. 

LePage, who served two terms as governor, faced no primary opponent. In 2022, he lost a bid for a third term as governor to Democratic Gov. Janet Mills.