Former Capitol Hill aide Jordan Wood announced on Wednesday he is dropping out of Maine’s U.S. Senate race to run instead in the state’s 2nd Congressional District.
NOTUS was first to previously report that he was seriously considering the move.
Wood’s decision would mean that the state’s marquee Senate contest would effectively become a one-on-one race between oyster farmer Graham Platner and Gov. Janet Mills.
Wood joining the race means a second prominent Democrat has joined the primary for the 2nd District, a seat held by retiring Democratic Rep. Jared Golden. The state’s auditor, Matt Dunlap, is also running in the district, which is Republican-leaning and considered a top pickup opportunity for the GOP during next year’s midterm election.
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“I’m stepping up where I’m needed most. Right here in the second district,” Wood said in his announcement video, nodding to the seat “one of the most competitive House races in the entire country.”
It’s unclear whether Wood, who once served as chief of staff to former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, would be the preferred pick of national Democrats, who are eager to hold the seat. Democrats have said they need a candidate similar to the retiring Golden, who can appeal to Republican voters in the conservative district.
In recent months, Wood’s Senate candidacy was overshadowed by Platner’s, whose bid has won adoration from progressives nationwide even as the political newcomer has also courted considerable controversy. Mills, the sitting governor, was recruited into the race by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and remains popular with many of the state’s voters.
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This story was produced as part of a partnership between NOTUS, VTDigger and The Maine Monitor.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated with additional reporting.
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