2nd Congressional District

The campaign for Republican Austin Theriault immediately requested a hand recount, meaning the winner likely won't be officially declared until December.

State election officials hope to have the final election results by Thursday or Friday after all of the ballots have been scanned, uploaded and voters' second-choice preferences have been factored in.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden's narrow lead shrunk as late returns came in from across the district. Maine's secretary of state said Thursday night that neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote, triggering a ranked-choice runoff.

The race is being watched closely as Republicans and Democrats jostle for control of the House.

While the presidential race is consuming much of the political oxygen nationally, Maine has a closely watched congressional contest that could help decide which party controls the U.S. House. Voters will also choose a state flag design and bond measures.

In addition to the presidential and congressional races, Maine voters will decide on five ballot questions and fill all 186 seats in the state Legislature.

The Lewiston mass shooting changed Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden's perspective on assault-style guns. And that has changed the political dynamics in the close race for the swing-district seat.

Black Mainers for Harris-Walz officially launched its fall campaign at an event in Portland on Wednesday.

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana spoke to about 400 Republicans attending a "battle station" opening that doubled as a rally for 2nd District candidate Austin Theriault.