LePage wins Maine Republican nod in key US House battleground

June 9 (Reuters) - Former Maine Governor Paul LePage won the Republican nomination on Tuesday ‌to run in the state's 2nd Congressional ‌District, U.S. media projected, setting up a November contest in ​a race that could help decide control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The district, which covers much of Maine's forested interior, is considered a ‌key battleground and ⁠one of a handful of competitive seats likely to play a decisive ⁠role in determining the balance of power in Congress.

LePage, a combative political figure who served two ​terms as ​governor, is seeking ​a return to elected ‌office and is expected to mount a high-profile campaign.

He will face the Democratic nominee emerging from a crowded primary field that included state Senator Joe Baldacci and progressives Matt Dunlap, Jordan ‌Wood and Paige Loud.

The seat ​will be open following the ​decision of centrist ​Democrat Jared Golden to not ‌run for re-election. He had ​managed to ​hold the district despite its Republican leanings in presidential elections.

As with other Maine races, the ​final outcome ‌may take time to confirm because of ​the state's ranked-choice voting system.

(Editing by Michael ​Learmonth and Howard Goller)