PORTLAND, Maine – The Democratic primary race aiming to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine took a dramatic turn on Wednesday when one candidate chose to withdraw and pursue a different high-stakes contest.

Jordan Wood, who previously served as chief of staff for former U.S. Representative Katie Porter from California, has shifted his focus from the Senate to the U.S. House. He announced his candidacy for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, a seat soon to be vacated by Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, who recently declared he won’t run for re-election. This decision could impact both the Senate and the closely contested House.

With Wood stepping aside, the Democratic field to challenge Collins now prominently features Governor Janet Mills, a veteran party figure, and Graham Platner, an oyster farmer known for his progressive principles and attention-grabbing online presence.

Wood’s pivot introduces the possibility of a Democratic primary contest in the crucial 2nd district against former Secretary of State Matt Dunlap. On the Republican side, former Governor Paul LePage is the leading contender for the congressional seat.

“After numerous discussions with my family and constituents in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, I’ve decided to step up and become the advocate for the community where I was born and brought up,” Wood stated on Wednesday.

Maine’s upcoming 2nd District and U.S. Senate races are both highly competitive and could help shape the balance of power in Congress. Collins is the sole Republican Senator in New England, and toppling her has long been a Democratic Party goal. Republicans, meanwhile, have prioritized winning back the 2nd District, where President Donald Trump is popular.

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.