Paul LePage Declares Victory in Maine 2nd District Race

Former Governor Paul LePage declared victory Wednesday in the race for Maine's 2nd Congressional District, asserting that there is "no path to victory" for his opponent. LePage based his claim on campaign contacts with unreported towns, though official sources have not yet called the race.

State Auditor Matt Dunlap has not conceded, noting that many ballots remain to be counted. The Associated Press reported LePage leading by fewer than 2,000 votes, with the margin narrowing to as few as 62 votes during Wednesday afternoon.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows stated the race is "neck and neck" and cannot be called until all remaining votes are submitted. If no candidate reaches the required 50 percent plus one vote, the contest will proceed to a ranked-choice runoff. A LePage win would make him the only Republican to flip a Democratic-held U.S. House seat during a national blue wave election cycle.