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Poliquin Says He Won't Run For His Former Seat In Maine's 2nd District

Maine Public/file

Maine's former 2nd District congressman, Bruce Poliquin, says he won't attempt to reclaim the seat he lost last year to Democrat Jared Golden. Poliquin announced his decision Sunday in a Facebook post, saying he would instead focus on caring for his elderly parents.

The two-term Republican did not rule out a future run, but his decision to sit out next year will open the door for other GOP challengers.

Former state Sen. Eric Brakey, of Auburn, has already announced that he will challenge Golden and has begun raising money.

Brakey left the Maine Legislature last year to take on independent U.S. Sen. Angus King, losing by 19 points in a three-way contest.

Golden has raised nearly $600,000 for his reelection bid, a sum that ranks him 147th among the 2020 House candidates.

His contest with Poliquin last year also drew over $13.7 million in spending from outside groups, making it one of the most expensive in the country.

Originally published Aug. 5, 2019 at 11:37 a.m. ET.

Journalist Steve Mistler is Maine Public’s chief politics and government correspondent. He is based at the State House.