LePage, Dunlap confirmed to debate twice in October
Sep 15, 2026 | 12:56 pm ET
Description
Republican Paul LePage speaks at an Aug. 6 press conference at Maine Military Supply in Holden, where the NRA’s political arm announced its endorsement of the former governor in the race to replace Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden. (Photo by Andrew Clark/ Maine Morning Star)
Republican Paul LePage and Democrat Matt Dunlap, who are vying to represent Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, will debate at least twice in October.
LePage announced on Monday that he accepted invitations to debate on WMTW on Oct. 1 and on WABI on Oct. 15, after Dunlap agreed to those forums last week. WMTW’s main coverage area is southern Maine, while WABI covers the central and eastern parts of the state.
Dunlap, the state auditor, has called for four debates overall, but it remains unclear if others will be held. He and LePage, the two-term former governor of Maine, are competing to replace Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, who is not seeking reelection.
Maine’s 2nd District, which covers most of the northern half of the state, is a top target for Republicans to flip in the 2026 midterm elections. Voters there have re-elected Golden, a moderate Democrat who frequently breaks with his party, while also voting for President Donald Trump in the last three presidential elections.
Augusta, ME
