PORTLAND, Maine – The Democratic primary race to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine took a surprising turn on Wednesday with a candidate’s decision to pivot to a different high-stakes contest.

Jordan Wood, who previously served as chief of staff to former U.S. Representative Katie Porter from California, has withdrawn his candidacy for the Senate. Instead, he will vie for the congressional seat in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. This seat is currently held by Democratic U.S. Representative Jared Golden, who recently announced he will not seek re-election.

With Wood’s exit, the Democratic field to take on Collins now prominently features Governor Janet Mills, a seasoned party leader, and Graham Platner, an oyster farmer recognized for his progressive ideology and bold online presence.

Wood’s decision opens the door for a potentially contentious Democratic primary in the 2nd District, where he will compete against former Secretary of State Matt Dunlap. On the Republican side, former Governor Paul LePage is leading the charge for the House seat.

“After many discussions with my family and constituents in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, I’ve chosen to be the advocate for the community where I was born and raised,” Wood conveyed in a statement on Wednesday.

The forthcoming races for Maine’s 2nd District and the U.S. Senate are pivotal, with the potential to significantly influence the balance of power in Congress. Senator Collins remains the only Republican Senator in New England, making her seat a prime target for the Democrats. Concurrently, Republicans are keen on reclaiming the 2nd District, where former President Donald Trump enjoys considerable support.

Dunlap announced his bid for the 2nd District weeks before Golden’s announcement that he is vacating. Dunlap said in a statement Wednesday that Wood entering the race “doesn’t change our campaign or our commitment” and that he’s “in this to fight for the people of Maine.”

LePage served as governor from 2011 to 2019. He announced his bid for Congress months ago. Brent Littlefield, a LePage spokesperson, said in a statement that Wood is too liberal for the 2nd District.

“Mainers will pick a job creator, Paul LePage, who will grow the economy and push back on high prices,” Littlefield said.

Two other onetime Democratic candidates for the Senate seat, brewery owner Dan Kleban and former Air Force civilian contractor Daira Smith-Rodriguez, recently dropped out and endorsed Mills. A handful of other Democratic hopefuls remain, though only Mills and Platner are campaigning aggressively.