We asked Paul LePage and Matt Dunlap about Iran, Trump and healthcare. Here’s what they said.

The race for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District is gaining traction as former Governor Paul LePage and State Auditor Matt Dunlap compete to replace U.S. Representative Jared Golden. This seat remains a critical objective for both national parties given the current narrow Republican majority in the House. LePage enters the race with support from the base, while Dunlap continues to push for progressive policy changes in a district that has historically backed Donald Trump in recent presidential elections.

In recent interviews, the candidates outlined distinct approaches to key issues including the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy. LePage emphasized his past record of fiscal management during his time as governor and his intent to align with the Trump administration to lower costs for residents. His campaign pointed to the need for economic stability and criticized his opponent’s alignment with national Democratic leadership.

Dunlap, meanwhile, identified healthcare access as his primary focus. He argued for a shift toward universal healthcare, specifically mentioning Medicare for All as a potential solution to mitigate the financial burden on rural families. Dunlap also expressed skepticism regarding recent foreign policy decisions in Iran and criticized the current economic climate, linking rising costs for heating oil and groceries directly to recent federal actions.

Election analysts currently view the contest as competitive, despite initial projections favoring the Republican candidate. With several months remaining until the election, both campaigns are working to sway a district known for its tendency to split tickets. Voters in the 2nd District continue to weigh these contrasting visions as they consider who will represent them in Washington D.C. for the upcoming term.