In an unexpected piece of good news, Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine’s 2nd Congressional District announced he will not seek re-election in 2026, citing rising political incivility, violence, and family safety concerns in an op-ed for the Bangor Daily News.
For context, the Democrat, who won in a Trump-leaning district four times, expressed dread at returning to a “broken” Congress amid a record-shattering government shutdown. Nevertheless, Golden believed he could win but prioritized family over national service. Republicans see the open seat as a chance to flip, while Democrats vow to defend it. Golden hopes for competitive primaries to usher in a new generation of leaders
Starting off his comments in which he announced his decision to retire, Jared Golden explained, “After 11 years as a legislator, I have grown tired of the increasing incivility and plain nastiness that are now common from some elements of our American community.”
“I don’t fear losing,” the longtime Democrat congressman claimed, “What has become apparent to me is that I now dread the prospect of winning. Simply put, what I could accomplish in this increasingly unproductive Congress pales in comparison to what I could do in that time as a husband, a father, and a son.”
Criticising his own party, the Maine Democrat added, “We’re allowing the most extreme, pugilistic elements of our party to call the shots. Just look again at the shutdown. For as long as I can remember, we have opposed shutting down the government over policy disputes.”
“We criticized Republicans for taking hostages this way. But this year, reeling from the losses of the last election, too many Democrats have given into demands that we use the same no-holds barred, obstructionary tactics as the GOP,” he stated, getting to yet another of his complaints about Schumer’s Democratic Party.
“The torch should be passed to those with the greatest stake in the future — my generation and those who follow. I have consistently called for a new generation of leaders, and I repeat that call today,” Golden added to conclude his comments on his decision to drop out.
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Reacting to the retirement, Maureen O’Toole, spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, noted, “Serial flip-flopper Jared Golden’s exit from Congress says it all: He’s turned his back on Mainers for years, and now his chickens are coming home to roost. He, nor any other Democrat, has a path to victory in ME-02 and Republicans will flip this seat red in 2026.”
Offering another view of the situation, Brent Littlefield, spokesperson for Paul LePage’s campaign, quipped, “Congressman Jared Golden is out after two public polls from the UNH Survey Center and other polls showed him losing Maine’s second congressional district to former Governor Paul LePage in Maine. Team LePage is committed to helping bring stronger representation and more prosperity to the people of Maine.”
Controversial RINO Susan Collins, U.S. Sen. (R-ME) expressed her well wishes to Golden. “I have known Jared for many years and have worked well with him. I appreciate the commitment to public service that he has shown to Maine and America, and I wish him and his family well,” the so-called Republican stated.
Watch another Democrat, Mayor Bowser of DC, retire in disgrace here: