Live Updates: Trump and Harris continue campaigning in battleground states after former president’s McDonald’s visit

Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine launched a new television commercial this morning that shows how some of the party’s vulnerable members are crafting their messages to appeal to crossover voters, touting how he will “stand up to Biden” and ” “worked with the Trump administration.”

Golden represents Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, a largely rural seat that has been considered a top battleground in recent cycles, and his race is a key target for national Republicans looking for aggressive ways to solidify their razor-thin majority.

Under pressure to win votes from independents and Republicans, Golden’s new ad describes his work in Congress on behalf of key constituencies in Maine, including lobstermen and loggers, and addresses some of the top motivating issues for conservative voters, including illegal immigration and Border security.

“Washington didn’t listen to me. So we brought Maine to Washington to deliver the message together,” Golden says in the ad. “We stood up to Biden to protect Maine lobster fishermen, worked with the Trump administration to build a vein treatment center, committed $1 million to train loggers in Maine and worked with Republicans to protect ours “Secure the border and fund our police.” And we’re just getting started.”

Golden’s campaign has always emphasized independence and highlighted breaks with his party, particularly his efforts on behalf of Maine Lobsterman while campaigning on the battleground.

Since September 11, the day after the last congressional primary, through yesterday, Golden’s race in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District ranks 6th among all House contests with the most advertising spending; Democrats spent about $9.3 million to $8.5 million more than Republicans during that period.

However, in the final two weeks of the race, Republicans are poised to come out on top with about $3.4 million in remaining ad bookings, while Democrats are at about $2.6 million.

Golden faces Republican candidate Austin Theriault, a former NASCAR driver who was one of the Republicans’ most popular recruits. In his ads, Theriault focused on criticizing the Democrats’ economic record, denouncing inflation and highlighting his unique background.