Washington — Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine won’t run for reelection subsequent 12 months, he introduced Wednesday, a transfer that would complicate Democrats’ efforts to win a Home majority.
Golden’s district — which covers northern Maine — is anticipated to be some of the intently contested Home seats in subsequent 12 months’s midterm elections. Final 12 months, it was one among simply 13 Democratic districts the place a Democrat gained the Home race however President Trump gained on the high of the ticket. It is one among 26 seats that the Home GOP’s marketing campaign arm plans on focusing on subsequent 12 months as Republicans intention to carry onto their slim majority within the decrease chamber.
Golden is understood for often breaking along with his occasion. He was the one Home Democrat to vote in favor of GOP-backed measures to avert a authorities shutdown in March and in September. The latter measure did not safe sufficient assist from Senate Democrats to go, prompting what’s now the longest authorities shutdown in fashionable U.S. historical past. Golden additionally helps tariffs, a core part of Mr. Trump’s commerce technique.
Golden confronted a main problem from Maine state Auditor Matt Dunlap, who has repeatedly accused him of “caving” to Mr. Trump. Former Gov. Paul LePage is working as a Republican within the 2nd Congressional District.
In an op-ed within the Bangor Day by day Information, Golden mentioned his choice was pushed partially by the “pointless, dangerous” authorities shutdown. He additionally mentioned he has “grown bored with the rising incivility and plain nastiness that at the moment are widespread from some parts of our American neighborhood,” and “latest incidents of political violence have made me reassess the frequent threats in opposition to me and my household.”
“I do not worry dropping. What has grow to be obvious to me is that I now dread the prospect of profitable. Merely put, what I might accomplish on this more and more unproductive Congress pales compared to what I might do in that point as a husband, a father and a son,” he wrote.
First elected in 2018, Golden gained reelection final 12 months by 0.6 proportion factors, or simply beneath 3,000 votes. In the identical 12 months, Mr. Trump gained in Golden’s district by about 9 factors.
The Nationwide Republican Congressional Committee reacted to Golden’s choice by expressing confidence that the seat will fall into GOP palms subsequent 12 months.
“Serial flip-flopper Jared Golden’s exit from Congress says all of it: He is turned his again on Mainers for years and now his chickens are coming house to roost,” NRCC spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole. “He, nor another Democrat, has a path to victory in ME-02 and Republicans will flip this seat crimson in 2026.”
In a press release, the Democratic Congressional Marketing campaign Committee wished Golden effectively.
“Final evening’s election outcomes clarify that voters are able to elect a Democratic majority that retains its promise to decrease prices and battle for on a regular basis folks,” Chair Suzan DelBene mentioned, referring to elections in a number of states. “Democrats will do every little thing essential to preserve this seat blue in order that Mainers proceed to have a voice preventing for them in Congress – and we’re assured we will likely be profitable.”
