Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden says he'll seek a fifth term serving Maine's 2nd Congressional District, an announcement that ends speculation that me might run for governor or the U.S. Senate.
Golden acknowledged in his statement that he'd considered other options, but that ultimately the best chance to restore balance in Washington is for Democrats to retake the U.S. House.
Maine's 2nd District could hold the key to Democrats' fortunes in 2026 as it's expected to once again draw heavy spending from outside groups.
While Golden has been able to win the seat ever since knocking off former Republican U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin in 2018, he has faced sharp criticism from Democrats and could face a primary next year.
State auditor Matt Dunlap recently announced that he's considering such a challenge.
Perhaps acknowledging that possibility, Golden's announcement Tuesday was accompanied by a range of endorsements from current and former state legislators and union leaders.
No matter who Democrats put forward in 2026, there's a good chance they'll face former Republican Gov. Paul LePage in the general election. Former state Rep. Austin Theriault, who narrowly lost to Golden last year, announced in a social media post that he will not enter the 2nd District race and is backing LePage.
Golden mentioned LePage in his statement, saying he'll do what it takes "to make sure no one like Paul LePage blusters his way into Congress.”
Golden was widely hailed by Democrats as the solution to the Trump-friendly 2nd Congressional District after he won the state's first ranked-choice election for a congressional seat. The Marine and combat veteran is pro-abortion rights and once backed Medicare for All before shifting to support health care proposals that don't completely do away with private insurance plans. He opposes the Republican spending bill currently under consideration, saying it will provide more tax cuts to the wealthy and corporations while gutting Medicaid, the health insurance program for lower-income people.
His tension with Democrats appears more rooted in the votes he takes that break party ranks and how he defends them. That criticism has been more acute during Trump's second term as polls suggest that Democrats want more resistance to the president's policy agenda and his bid to seize and consolidate power.
Trump has carried the 2nd District three times and registered Republicans significantly outnumber Democrats.
