In an Op-ED in the Bangor Daily News on November 12th, Maine Congressman Jared Golden (D-ME) announced that he is not going to run for reelection to the United States House of Representatives, citing the rise of violence towards politicians and their families, Such as the Shooting of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk and the murder of Minnesota Repersentive Melissa Hortman as well as stating a need to have more time with his family.

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Golden, a democrat who has represented Maine’s Second district since 2019, is known for his tendency to break from party lines on issues as well as being a “blue dog” democrat by his colleagues in the House. In early 2025, he was one of the few democrats who supported President Trump’s tariffs and criticized House and Senate democrats for openly opposing tariffs.

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The district that Golden represents, Maine’s 2nd District, is known as the largest congressional district by land area east of the Mississippi River, and in 2024 had an estimated population of approximately 697,000 people. It is a traditionally conservative-leaning district that Rep. Golden flipped in 2018, becoming the first candidate to unseat the incumbent since 1916.

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In a statement, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated, “[Golden] has stood up for our national security and rural communities in Maine and across the country, along with the fishermen, farmers, and loggers who are the backbone of Maine’s second congressional district.” Jeffries continued, “Consistent with his oath as a decorated United States Marine, Jared has always been faithful to the people he has been privileged to represent. Our gratitude and appreciation are with Jared’s wife, Izzy, and their children as their beautiful family embarks on this next chapter of their public service journey.”

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Golden Will continue to represent Maine until his term expires in January of 2027