Representative Jared Golden, a moderate Democrat from Maine whose district went to President Trump in 2024, announced on Wednesday that he won’t run for re-election.
In his decision, Golden shared via an opinion piece in the Bangor Daily News that he is deeply troubled by the “increasing rudeness and outright nastiness” in American politics. He expressed worries about political violence and emphasized his wish to spend more time with his family.
“After careful consideration, I have decided not to seek re-election in 2026,” he stated. “I am forever grateful for the honor of serving my constituents in Congress and proud of my achievements in Maine. Yet, it recently became clear to me that now is the right time to step back from elected office.”
Golden mentioned his discomfort with politics, saying, “I didn’t like it. But I find meaning in service, and I was able to endure many aspects of politics I dislike by focusing on the positive outcomes that Congress can create with persistence and determination.”
However, he pointed out that recent incidents of political violence have only reinforced the threats against him and his family. “As a father, I need to weigh whether the benefits of my work outweigh what my family has to endure,” he reflected.
The centrist faction of the Democratic Party, which has often resisted leadership on major votes, commented on the “unnecessary and harmful shutdown,” criticizing the “constant and exaggerated accusations” from both sides that illustrate the dysfunction within Congress.
Golden, known as one of the most centrist Democrats, notably diverged from his party last September, becoming the only House Democrat to back the GOP’s temporary funding measure, which ultimately failed to stop a government shutdown.
He voiced concerns for the Democratic Party’s direction, recalling how the Republican Party was first overtaken by the Tea Party and later the MAGA movement, which he believes aims to transfer more congressional power to the presidency.
“I worry that Democrats might follow a similar trajectory,” he expressed, highlighting the government shutdown as a significant example. “We risk letting the most extreme elements dictate decisions.”
His announcement surprised many in the political landscape, especially since he had indicated in May his intent to focus on re-election rather than pursue a gubernatorial or senatorial campaign.
While Golden felt assured about re-election, he made it clear that he doesn’t plan to continue in office. “I’m not afraid of losing,” he noted, “but now I find myself dreading the idea of winning. The impact I was able to make in this increasingly unproductive Congress doesn’t measure up to what I can achieve as a husband, father, and son.”
He encouraged his successor to uphold the tradition of opposing divisive elements in Congress and to represent the diverse ideologies of Maine’s 2nd District without succumbing to extremes.
“I still believe, perhaps more than ever, that politics can be a force for good. But after dedicating decades to service, I’m eager for the next chapter. I look forward to raising my young daughters with Izzy and spending more time with family and friends, even though she has taken on more than her fair share of duties for our family for years,” he wrote.
“I am forever grateful to the residents of Maine’s 2nd District for trusting me to represent them in Washington. To them, I can only say, ‘thank you.’”
Updated at 4:07 p.m.
