Jared Golden plans to stay in Congress, won't run for governor or Senate
May 20—U.S. Rep. Jared Golden said Tuesday that he will seek another term representing Maine's 2nd District in Congress, setting up a potential head-to-head race against former Gov. Paul LePage in 2026.
Golden, a Lewiston Democrat, has represented the sprawling, conservative district since 2019. He may face a primary challenge from Democratic State Auditor Matthew Dunlap, who said he is considering a run for the seat.
Former Republican Gov. Paul LePage announced this month that he is running for Golden's seat, and he's expected to have a clear path to his party's nomination next June.
Golden, 42, has been raising money for another reelection campaign for Congress. But he also has been mentioned as a possible gubernatorial or U.S. Senate candidate and acknowledged Tuesday that he considered seeking a different office before deciding to defend his seat and give Democrats a better chance to make gains in Congress.
"While I have considered many options for how best to continue serving the people of Maine, I have decided to run for reelection because the surest way to restore balance in Washington is for Democrats to win back the House of Representatives," Golden said in a statement. "While the election is still 18 months away and I remain focused on my responsibilities to my constituents and my family, I also know the path to the majority runs through Maine. And I am going to do what it takes to make sure no one like Paul LePage blusters his way into Congress."
Golden's history of voting against his party and issuing public statements that break from the party line — including saying he would be OK with a second Trump administration and his support of tariffs — have angered some Maine Democrats who want to see him face a primary challenge.
But Golden also has had the support of the national party because of his ability to flip and hold a seat in a district that has repeatedly backed President Donald Trump.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was quick to praise Golden after Dunlap said he was considering a primary challenge. And House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York joined other top party leaders in a written statement Tuesday saying Golden has been loyal to his district and to the party.
"Jared Golden is a respected colleague and friend, valued leader and combat veteran whose honesty, integrity and commitment to core Democratic values make him the right fit for his district," they said. "Jared's dedication to representing all of his constituents — no matter their party affiliation — makes him uniquely suited to once again win one of the toughest seats in the country for Democrats to hold. He's also helping Democrats flip Republican seats in competitive districts throughout America."
Jordan Kathleen Burns, Golden's campaign manager, said Golden is "a proven winner and the right choice to beat a candidate like Paul LePage and restore checks and balances in Congress."
"The stakes are clear: While the GOP in Congress is working overtime to take away Mainers' health care and further rig the tax code for the rich, Jared is standing up for our health care, workers' rights, reproductive freedom and Maine's heritage industries," Burns said in a statement.
A campaign strategist for LePage said the former governor is confident he can defeat Golden.
"Gov. LePage has always won Maine's 2nd District in every race he has run and we expect the voters will support him again. He has a proven record of speaking directly while creating jobs, lowering costs, and taking on liberal extremism," Brent Littlefield said in a written statement.
Golden narrowly won reelection in 2024 against his Republican challenger, former state Rep. Austin Theriault of Fort Kent.
Theriault endorsed LePage in a post on X, saying he considered another campaign but decided to sit it out to spare his party a primary contest.
"A crowded, divisive primary would only hurt our chances in November," he wrote. "I'll be supporting Governor LePage in his race for Congress, and I hope you'll join me,"
Maine's 2nd District has become a battleground in recent elections, as Trump has won one of the state's four electoral votes in the rural district composed of northern and western Maine in each of the last three presidential races.
Republicans have once again eyed the district as a seat to flip in 2026.
Golden said prior to last year's election that he was "OK" with Trump winning. He also refused to endorse Kamala Harris.
His announcement Tuesday included a round of endorsements from Maine labor unions, including ones representing carpenters in New England and machinists at Bath Iron Works.
A native of Leeds, Golden joined the Marines after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and served two combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He returned home, completed his college education and entered politics as an aide to Maine's senior U.S. senator, Republican Susan Collins. He then served two terms in the state Legislature, rising to party leadership, before winning his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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