The race for Maine’s 2nd Congressional district will go to a ranked choice runoff.
The announcement comes even after Republican and former Maine governor Paul LePage declared victory and his Democratic opponent, Matt Dunlap, conceded.
The Maine Secretary of State’s Office said Thursday neither candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s election.
The office said LePage had garnered just under 50 percent of the vote, while Dunlap had secured 48 percent.
There were 341,248 votes cast in the race.
The tabulation process begins Monday and will be livestreamed by the Secretary of State’s Office, which said:
“Once the election night totals are verified, assuming neither candidate received a majority of the votes, which is what we are observing now, we will proceed to the ranked choice voting tabulation.”
LePage’s campaign, which declared victory on Wednesday, said in a statement that his lead of 4,400 votes makes him the winner in the race.
“It is very clear from our campaign team’s work yesterday talking one-on-one with many local town clerks and the publicly reported numbers that Paul LePage is the Congressman-Elect. Paul’s vote margin is extremely large. Decision Desk HQ alone reports Paul LePage has over 4,400 more votes than Mr. Dunlap. That is in line with our campaign’s estimate yesterday of a 4,500 vote lead when Paul declared victory. Paul LePage looks forward to working for all of the people of Maine’s 2nd District, working with anyone – and everyone – regardless of Party to put Maine first.”
Dunlap, the former Maine Secretary of State and current state auditor, conceded on Thursday, saying in a statement:
“This isn’t the result we were hoping for, and I’m disappointed that we came short. Congratulations to Paul LePage, I wish him the best. I want to thank every volunteer who knocked doors, made calls, and made their voices heard. Your support inspired me, and I’m honored to have worked side by side with you over the past year.”
The two were vying to replace the seat being vacated by Democrat Jared Golden, who chose not to run for re-election.
Golden released a statement Thursday:
“Four times, the people of Maine’s 2nd District chose me to represent them in Congress. I know what an incredible honor it is to earn their trust. For their faith, I will always be thankful. I also know a thing or two about winning in tough circumstances. So, I know you have to tip your hat to Paul LePage for winning in the midst of this Blue Tsunami. I stand ready to work with him to ensure the smooth transition that Mainers deserve.”
