AUGUSTA — Second Congressional District Democratic candidate Matt Dunlap is touting two new polls from national Democrats showing a close race.

One poll shows a 49-49 tie and the other, a one-point lead for Dunlap’s opponent, former Republican Gov. Paul LePage.

Both polls come from Democratic groups, prompting LePage spokesman Brent Littlefield to question the results.

In a post on X, Littlefield pointed to Democratic polls from 2024 that showed Democrats leading in House races in Arizona, California and Nebraska. Republicans won all three. 

“Snapshot of a few races shows their ‘error’ margin to be quite healthy,” Littlefield wrote. “Maybe @dunlapforcongress should double check their numbers?”

Whether you believe the polls or not, the race for Maine’s 2nd District has been ranked as one to watch by national forecasters. Polling averages compiled by the Silver Bulletin put LePage at 49.8% and Dunlap at 47.3%

The Cook Political Report and the University of Virginia Center for Politics both list the race as “likely” Republican.

Overall, UVA rates the national House outlook with 210 seats at least leaning toward Democrats, 203 at least leaning Republican and 22 toss-ups. 

Yet Dunlap’s team points to how voters view each of the candidates. The House Majority PAC poll shows LePage at 49% unfavorable to 47% favorable. Dunlap’s numbers were 37% favorable and 28% unfavorable.

The seat is open this year because U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat, opted not to run for reelection. He held on to the seat in recent years by increasingly smaller margins.

In a statement, Dunlap focused on high prices and economic uncertainty.

“We’ve always known this would be a close race,” he said. “I’m not surprised the polls are tied. I’m in this race to fight for every Mainer who’s worried about the price of gas and the cost of groceries.”