Supporters of Republican Second Congressional District Candidate Austin Theriault showed support for their candidate at a watch party in Bangor on Election Night.

“I’m cautiously optimistic that we’re going to pull this off,” Theriault told the crowd, garnering cheers.

Incumbent Democrat Jared Golden is running for his fourth term in the seat, while Theriault, a former NASCAR driver, has run an aggressive campaign to challenge him. Months of wrangling have led to both candidates fighting a neck-and-neck battle. Recent polling data shows both Theriault and Golden in a statistical dead heat. 

Golden Tuesday night watched the returns at a private gathering, issuing a statement shortly after polls closed at 8 p.m.: “At a time when national conversation is so often dominated by divisive politics and personalities, I feel good about running a campaign focused on the issues that matter to Mainers — our safety, our freedoms, our health care and our jobs. As we wait for every ballot to be counted, I want to thank Maine voters for turning out to participate in the greatest democracy the world has ever known.” 

Meanwhile, dozens of Theriault supporters packed a ballroom at the Hollywood Casino Hotel, all watching large television screens with live coverage of nationwide returns, including Maine. While the mood has been positive, some supporters were shy about commenting.

Among the supporters were members of Theriault’s extended family.

“I think everyone’s nervous,” said Riki Theriault, Austin Theriault’s cousin. “I think everyone’s just nervously pacing at this point.”

Theriault’s grandparents, Richard and Elizabeth “Betty” Theriault were also on hand. Betty Theriault said this was the first time in recent memory that anyone from the Theriault family had run for Congress, and that everyone was excited for Austin. She joked that the adventure that her grandson has been on campaigning thus far is itself an accomplishment worth chronicling.

“If this doesn’t work out, he’ll probably write a best-seller,” she said with a laugh.

Campaign Spokesperson Preya Samsundar said Austin Theriault spent the day Tuesday visiting with local businesses, at one point flipping burgers and making subs. She said it’s all part of his ongoing “People over Politics” message.

“He wanted to get an understanding of what everyday folks are experiencing right now,” she said.

Samsundar said despite the tight race, supporters headed into Tuesday’s watch party feeling good about the challenger’s chances against Golden.

“I think folks are very excited about this race,” she said. “Obviously, we know this race is one of national importance, and you know, we’re very excited about the enthusiasm around Austin and his campaign tonight.”

Just after 11 p.m., the race was still too close to call, but Theriault himself took the stage to rally the attendees.

“We had people coming out into the political process that had given up on it,” he said. “We’re giving people hope for the future.”