The national campaign wing for House Democrats is getting behind state Sen. Joe Baldacci in the 2nd Congressional District race that will determine U.S. Rep. Jared Golden’s successor.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced Monday morning it has added the Bangor Democrat to its “Red to Blue” program, which is essentially an endorsement by way of giving the candidate fundraising and organizational support.  

The support from the national committee gives Baldacci, a former Bangor mayor and city councilor from one of Maine’s well-known political families, a boost in his bid to beat State Auditor Matt Dunlap, ex-Capitol Hill operative Jordan Wood and social worker Paige Loud in the June 9 primary.

The winner will face the Republican contender, former Gov. Paul LePage, in November in a race both national parties view as critical to determining control of the U.S. House. Currently, Republicans hold a thin majority.

Golden, a moderate in a district that has thrice backed President Donald Trump, said last November he would not seek reelection to the seat he has held since 2019, citing ramped-up political incivility along with threats against his family.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Riya Vashi confirmed Monday morning that the other primary candidates competing alongside Baldacci will not get added to the “Red to Blue” program.

The national support for Baldacci is also notable after the House campaign arm opted against endorsing Dunlap, who jumped into the race last October to initially challenge Golden. It also declined to back Wood, who switched from running for the U.S. Senate to seeking Golden’s seat after the congressman’s withdrawal. Loud has trailed farther behind the three others in polling and fundraising.

U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Washington, who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said in Monday’s news release that Baldacci “has spent his life serving the people of Maine and fighting for working families across the 2nd District.”

“While Paul LePage cheers on health care cuts and lines the pockets of his billionaire donors, Joe has never forgotten who he works for,” DelBene said. “He’s the proven fighter Mainers need in Congress to lower costs, protect health care, and deliver real results.”

The National Republican Congressional Committee responded to the Democrats’ move with a statement Monday.

“Out of touch Democrat Joe Baldacci has a record of raising costs and making Maine less safe, and he’s already pledged to raise taxes on Mainers in Congress,” said spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole. “Baldacci’s candidacy is dead on arrival.”