On Sunday, May 3, nearly 200 Waldo County voters packed the Clifford Arts and Student Center in Unity to hear from the four Democratic candidates vying to represent Maine’s Second Congressional District. Joe Baldacci, Matt Dunlap, Paige Loud, and Jordan Wood took the stage for two hours of introductions, audience questions, and closing statements, moderated by veteran Maine journalist Tom Groening.
The forum — presented by the Waldo County Democratic Committee — came on the heels of incumbent Representative Jared Golden’s announcement that he would not seek a fifth term, leaving this perennial swing district wide open heading into one of the most consequential election cycles in recent memory.
The event was held at the Clifford Arts and Student Center, home to the Ecology Learning Center (ELC), a public charter school serving students in grades 9 through 12. ELC students served as greeters and helped make the event run smoothly — putting civic engagement into practice in their own community.
A reception in the school’s light-filled foyer followed the forum, giving attendees the chance to meet the candidates directly.
If you weren’t able to attend — or would like to watch it again — the full video will be available soon.
The Democratic primary will take place on June 9, 2026, under Maine’s ranked-choice voting system.
