Matt Dunlap Notches Another Key Progressive Endorsement in Maine House Race

Our Revolution, a progressive organization founded by Sen. Bernie Sanders, has endorsed Maine State Auditor Matt Dunlap in the race for the state’s 2nd Congressional District.

Dunlap, who is running for the open seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, is facing a crowded primary field that appears to be neck-and-neck. His campaign is hoping the endorsement could give him a boost as the race heads into its final stretch.

Our Revolution considers itself a driving force in the modern progressive movement, and it endorses people in all levels of government. In Maine, Our Revolution has also endorsed Graham Platner for Senate and Troy Jackson for governor; both are endorsed by Sanders himself, as well, and appear to be frontrunners in their primaries. Sanders has not yet endorsed a candidate in the 2nd District.

“Our Revolution is proud to endorse Matt Dunlap for Congress in ME-02,” Joseph Geevarghese, executive director of Our Revolution, said in a press release Tuesday. “A longtime public servant and Maine State Auditor, Matt has spent his career fighting for transparency, accountability, and working people. A Bernie 2016 Maine co-chair, he’s a proven progressive ready to take on corporate power and defend our democracy. Maine deserves bold, people-first leadership — and Matt Dunlap is ready to deliver.”

Sanders won the Democratic presidential primary in Maine in 2016. Since then, Dunlap, who served as co-chair of Sanders’ campaign in the state, has continued to advocate for many of the issues the Vermont Senator has championed, including Medicare for All and higher taxes on the wealthiest Americans.

“I’m honored to have Our Revolution’s endorsement,” Dunlap said in a press release. “When I co-chaired Senator Sanders’ 2016 campaign here in Maine, I saw firsthand the energy and belief working people brought to this movement. Medicare for All, universal childcare, tuition-free college.”

Dunlap is facing a packed primary that includes Maine state Sen. Joe Baldacci, former congressional aide Jordan Wood and political newcomer Paige Loud. Whoever wins the primary on June 9 is expected to face off against Republican Paul LePage, a former Maine governor.

Sanders, who endorses separately from Our Revolution, has made many endorsements this cycle, making a splash in Democratic primaries in an attempt to expand the progressive wing of the party. Often, he even endorses against incumbents if it means supporting a more progressive candidate.

Dunlap has also been endorsed by California Rep. Ro Khanna, the National Nurses United, former Rep. Mike Michaud and progressive leader Betsy Sweet.