LePage wins Maine GOP nomination for US House seat

The district, which encompasses a large portion of Maine's interior, is a key battleground and one of several competitive seats expected to play a decisive role in the balance of power in Congress. LePage, known for his combative political style and two previous terms as governor, is aiming for a return to elected office and is anticipated to run a high-profile campaign.

LePage will compete against the Democratic nominee, who will emerge from a competitive primary field that includes State Senator Joe Baldacci and progressives Matt Dunlap, Jordan Wood, and Paige Loud. The seat is open because the centrist Democratic incumbent, Jared Golden, has decided not to seek re-election. Golden had managed to hold the district despite its tendency to lean Republican in presidential elections.

As is common in Maine races, the final outcome may require time to be confirmed due to the state's use of a ranked-choice voting system.