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.