November 5, 2025 — Congressman Jared Golden (D-Maine), a moderate Democrat whose district includes coastal Maine from Penobscot Bay north, has announced he will not seek re-election. Congressman Golden has been a vocal advocate for Maine’s fisheries, particularly the lobster industry, where he has focused on opposing new regulations, ensuring fair trade practices, and securing funding for the industry. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and has supported legislation for disaster relief, workforce development, and health and safety programs for fishermen. He has also expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of offshore wind development on fishing grounds. Mr. Golden announced his decision in an opinion column in Bangor Daily News. The Democrat’s unexpected retirement opens up a House seat in a district that Trump carried.
Jared Golden of Lewiston represents Maine’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
After much deliberation, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2026.
I am forever grateful for the honor of serving my constituents in Congress, and proud of what I’ve accomplished for Maine. But recently, it became clear that now is the right time to step away from elected office.
I have never loved politics. But I find purpose and meaning in service, and the Marine in me has been able to slog along through the many aspects of politics I dislike by focusing on the good work that Congress is capable of producing with patience and determination.
But after 11 years as a legislator, I have grown tired of the 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. My team and I have strived to stay above the fray and, for that, we can hold our heads high with appreciation for each other and the way we have gone about our work.
Read the full article at Bangor Daily News