JUST IN: Key Home Democrat Gained’t Search Re-Election, Giving GOP Main Alternative
A multi-term House Democrat in a district carried by President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he will not be seeking re-election in 2026, setting up a contentious election in what is sure to be one of the most closely-watched House races in the country.
U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, who has represented Maine’s Second Congressional District since 2022, announced his decision in an article with the Bangor Daily News.
The congressman explained that while he has enjoyed his time in politics, he has become increasingly demoralized by “increasing incivility and plain nastiness that are now common from some elements of our American community — behavior that, too often, our political leaders exhibit themselves.”
He also pointed to recent high-profile instances of political violence and noted that he too has received threats on his family home.
“Beyond these family considerations, my decision is motivated by the clarity recent months have provided about the state of our politics. This week, we passed a grim milestone, having endured the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history. This unnecessary, harmful shutdown and the nonstop, hyperbolic accusations and recriminations by both sides reveal just how broken Congress has become,” the congressman went on to say.
“With that in mind, my calculus is straightforward: I know that if I were to continue my campaign, I would prevail. My record of winning the most challenging district held by any Democrat — of outperforming the top and bottom of the ticket four times — speaks for itself. Regardless of what angry partisan commentators may say, I retain the trust of the coalition of Democrats, independents and Republicans that has repeatedly defied the trends of political polarization by electing me.”
Golden (D-ME) is a self-styled moderate who won by less than 3,000 votes against former NASCAR driver Austin Theriault in a race that took several days to call last year.
Golden has represented Maine’s Second Congressional District, a largely rural area, since 2019. The district currently grades as R+6 according to the Cook Partisan Voting Index and was carried by President Trump by nearly 10 percentage points last November.
Golden, like many vulnerable Democrats, has at times offered criticisms of the party’s messaging and direction as a party. He has largely voted in line with the party, however, including a recent “no” vote on a bill that would have banned biological males from competing in women’s/girl’s sports.
With Golden out of the race, the seat will likely move from lean Democrats to pure toss-up or lean Republican territory.
Former Maine Governor Paul LePage, a Republican, has already filed to run for Golden’s seat, while state Auditor Matt Dunlap was already challenging Golden from his left.