Current:Home > MarketsRepublicans seek to unseat Democrat in Maine district rocked by Lewiston shooting-LoTradeCoin
Republicans seek to unseat Democrat in Maine district rocked by Lewiston shooting
View Date:2024-12-25 00:23:32
LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Two Republican state lawmakers, one endorsed by former President Donald Trump, are seeking the chance to try to unseat one of the most conservative Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives in a Maine district rocked by a mass shooting last year.
The two members of the Maine House of Representatives face each other Tuesday in a Republican primary. They are Austin Theriault, of Fort Kent, who is backed by Trump, and Mike Soboleski, of Phillips, who is also a supporter of the former president.
The winner will face three-term incumbent Democratic Rep. Jared Golden in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, which has handed an electoral vote to Trump in the last two elections. The district was also the site of a mass shooting that killed 18 in Lewiston in October.
Theriault and Soboleski both vowed to be a stronger protector of the Second Amendment than Golden in the months since the shooting, which motivated Maine Democrats to approve a battery of new gun control laws. Golden, who has also long fashioned himself as a protector of gun rights, came out in support of an assault weapons ban after the Lewiston shooting but has said he would not have voted for changes such as expanding background checks and creating penalties for illegal gun sales.
Economic development, inflation and immigration have also factored into the primary campaign, but gun control is clearly a major factor on voters’ minds, said Mark Brewer, a political scientist with the University of Maine.
The election also has a chance to shake up the power structure of Congress. Republicans have a slim five-seat edge in the U.S. House, and the Maine election is one of a handful that could change that balance, Brewer said.
What to know about the 2024 Election
- Democracy: American democracy has overcome big stress tests since 2020. More challenges lie ahead in 2024.
- AP’s Role: The Associated Press is the most trusted source of information on election night, with a history of accuracy dating to 1848. Learn more.
- Read the latest: Follow AP’s complete coverage of this year’s election.
“This is certainly shaping up as one of the top 10 House races in the country, if not the top five,” Brewer said. “It’s an incredibly evenly divided district, and there are increasingly few of those.”
The 2nd Congressional District is far more rural and geographically much larger than Maine’s other district, which leans more heavily Democratic and is based around Portland. The 2nd District is home to many of Maine’s traditional industries, such as papermaking and lobster fishing.
Theriault is a former NASCAR driver who had a major fundraising advantage over Soboleski in the race. Soboleski, however, picked up endorsements from some other Republican state lawmakers.
Both painted themselves as more in tune with the working people of the district. Theriault said on the gun issue “and many others, Jared Golden is not representing the people of the district.” Soboleski said Golden is “focused on moving up the political ladder.”
Golden, a Marine veteran of two wars, has characterized his approach to gun control and other issues as pragmatic and right for Maine.
“In Maine, as elsewhere, the government, the courts and the people must seek a balance between the individual right and the common good,” he said.
veryGood! (3823)
Related
- Agents search home of ex-lieutenant facing scrutiny as police probe leak of school shooting evidence
- To cast a Pennsylvania ballot, voters must be registered by Oct. 21
- How Larsa Pippen's Dating Life Has Changed Since Second Marcus Jordon Breakup
- Broncos best Saints in Sean Payton's return to New Orleans: Highlights
- Up to 20 human skulls found in man's discarded bags, home in New Mexico
- Jane Fonda 'deeply honored' to receive Life Achievement Award at 2025 SAG Awards
- Louis Tomlinson Planned to Make New Music With Liam Payne Before His Death
- 'Dune: Prophecy' cast, producers reveal how the HBO series expands on the films
- 'Red One' review: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans embark on a joyless search for Santa
- The sun is now in its solar maximum, meaning more aurora activity
Ranking
- These Yellowstone Gift Guide Picks Will Make You Feel Like You’re on the Dutton Ranch
- How Liam Payne's Love for Son Bear Inspired Him to Be Superhero for Kids With Cancer in Final Weeks
- 6-year-old boy accidentally shoots younger brother, killing him; great-grandfather charged
- See Liam Payne Reunite With Niall Horan in Sweet Photos Days Before His Death
- 2 credit unions in Mississippi and Louisiana are planning to merge
- WNBA Finals, Game 4: How to watch New York Liberty at Minnesota Lynx
- Why Erik Menendez Blames Himself for Lyle Menendez Getting Arrested
- ‘Breaking Bad’ star appears in ad campaign against littering in New Mexico
Recommendation
-
She was found dead while hitchhiking in 1974. An arrest has finally been made.
-
Montana man reported to be killed in bear attack died by homicide in 'a vicious attack'
-
Texas sues doctor and accuses her of violating ban on gender-affirming care
-
Murder trial to begin in small Indiana town in 2017 killings of two teenage girls
-
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had a stroke earlier this month, is expected to make full recovery
-
To cast a Pennsylvania ballot, voters must be registered by Oct. 21
-
It's National Pasta Day: Find deals at Olive Garden, Carrabba's, Fazoli's and more
-
One Direction's Liam Payne May Have Been Unconscious When He Fatally Fell From Balcony