Democratic political candidate Jordan Wood has switched his campaign from a challenge to Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) to a House race to replace retiring Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine).
Wood, who was previously a staff member to former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), officially withdrew from the Senate contest and entered the race to represent Maine’s 2nd Congressional District.
Wood said in his announcement that his decision was partially prompted by the announcement that Golden, the incumbent for Maine’s 2nd Congressional district, where Wood is running, won’t seek reelection.
“Families are being crushed by the cost of childcare, housing, and healthcare. We need new leaders who will actually take on the corrupt special interests that keep life in Maine unaffordable,” Wood said.
The would-be lawmaker added that he is running for Congress, “because Maine deserves a representative who will not look away from the affordability crisis and fight to unrig a political system that rewards the powerful. … I’m running to continue that fight, and to deliver for the community who raised me.”
This means Wood is campaigning against former Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, who is the leading Democrat in the primary. The leading Republican in the race is currently former Gov. Paul LePage, who Wood could face off against in the general election.
Both the 2nd District and Senate races in Maine are highly competitive and have a chance to impact the balance of power in Congress.
Currently, Collins is the only Republican senator in New England, making her a target for Democrats. On the other side of the political aisle, Republicans have made it a priority to win back the state’s 2nd District.
This means that Collins has to fend off challenges from Gov. Janet Mills and Graham Platner, an oyster farmer who has grown in notoriety due to his progressive views.
It was just weeks ago, in mid-October, that Mills, a Democrat, announced her intention to challenge Collins for the Senate seat.
Mills has been an open critic of President Donald Trump, even telling him earlier this year she would see him in court over the issue of transgender athletes.
“I’ll stand up to Trump, just as I did in February,” Mills said in a telephone interview previewing her campaign with The Associated Press, announcing her candidacy.
Mills said she hopes to mount a broad resistance to Trump on issues such as food and health care aid for children and low-income Americans.
“I think the moment demands a lot more than we’re seeing from Susan Collins,” Mills said in the interview.
“It demands a fighter and someone who will stand up and fight for the future of democracy and fight for the interests of Maine people, just as I have done for my entire career.”
