Jordan Wood, 36, a first-time candidate from Lewiston, is ending his run for the U.S. Senate and will now seek to be the Democratic nominee for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District – a newly open seat following the decision by incumbent Rep. Jared Golden not to seek reelection in 2026.
“There is a need to run a candidate who is committed to accountability, who is committed to be an independent leader in Congress, and that’s who I am,” Wood said in an interview with NEWS CENTER Maine.
Golden announced Nov. 5 he would forgo his quest for a fifth House term, citing the polarization, incivility, nastiness, and violence in our politics, including death threats against him and his family.
Wood will no longer compete with fellow newcomer Graham Platner or Governor Janet Mills in the Democratic Senate primary to challenge Republican Susan Collins next year. Instead, he is setting his sights on the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
“I think that this is a moment of crisis for our country, for our democracy, and for our state,” Wood said, “and what voters are looking for are leaders that are going to go to Washington, fight political corruption, and support democracy reform, but then deliver on the affordability crisis.”
Topping Wood’s agenda are affordable health care, accessible childcare, and housing. “These issues are a priority for me, because I’ve lived them,” he said.
Wood has already held town halls in all 11 counties in the 2nd Congressional District. He raised $3.5 million for the Senate run but burned through $2 million since launching in April. His leftover campaign cash can be transferred to the House race.
The 2nd Congressional District is a highly competitive swing district. Donald Trump carried it in the last three presidential elections.
Golden, who earns high ratings for bipartisanship, is renowned for defying Democratic leaders and has split from his party in 20% of the votes in the current Congress.
Wood said he disagreed with Golden being the lone House Democrat to vote with Republicans to avoid the government shutdown.
“This is the one opportunity that Democrats as the minority party had to really use their political power to make sure the Obamacare (ACA) subsidies were renewed and extended,” Wood said. “I do not trust Republicans in the Senate that they are going to renew these Obamacare subsidies, which could increase premiums in the state of Maine for 50,000 people by 30-40%.”
Former Governor Paul LePage, 76, is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination and, so far, is unopposed. It’s another comeback bid for LePage after losing to Mills by 13% in the Maine governor’s race in 2022.
“Mr. LePage, very much in line with Donald Trump, when they lose an election, they don’t believe that they have to accept the result,” Wood said.
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Wood said, “Voters are looking for the next generation to step up. I think I represent that.”
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