U.S. Rep. Jared Golden on Wednesday made the surprise announcement in a Bangor Daily News Op-Ed that he will not seek re-election.
The news from the four-term Democratic congressman, who attributed the decision to concerns about political violence and a desire to spend more time with his family, sent shockwaves through Maine’s political community.
Read some of the early reactions below.
“I have known Jared for many years and have worked well with him. I appreciate the commitment to public service that he has shown to Maine and America, and I wish him and his family well.”
— U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine
“I want to thank my colleague, fellow Mainer, and friend, Congressman Golden, for his years of service to Maine’s 2nd District. I’ve always had the utmost respect for Jared’s commitment, his work ethic, and his dedication to the people of Maine.
It’s heartbreaking to know what he and his family have endured during the increasingly polarized and toxic political climate of our times. Far too many elected officials have experienced threats and acts of violence, and there is absolutely no place for that in our country. Everyone who serves in elected office understands the toll that takes and I respect his decision to not seek another term. Whatever he chooses to do next, I know he’ll bring the same passion and conviction he brought to his work in Congress.
Maine’s 2nd District is one of the toughest, most competitive seats in the nation. But leaders like Jared—and Mike Michaud before him—have proven that Democrats can not only win there, but win consistently. Whoever carries that mantle next, I look forward to supporting them—and working closely with them to deliver real results for the people of Maine.
On behalf of my entire team, I want to extend my sincerest thanks and best wishes to Jared, his family, and his dedicated staff.”
— Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine Congressional District 1
“Congressman Golden served Maine with a voice that was authentically his, reflected his constituents, and showed his pride in our state. I hope we can all heed his call to reduce the vitriol, anger and violence in our politics, turning instead to our common ground. I wish him and his family the best and thank him for his service to the people of Maine.”
— Angus King III, Democratic candidate for Maine governor
“Maine’s 2nd District has been well served by my friend Congressman Golden. Although he is not seeking re-election, we should not forget his fight for Mainers’ health care, our heritage industries, and tribal sovereignty. Maine will miss his leadership.”
— Jordan Wood, Maine Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate
“Endless flip-flopper Jared Golden got the message that Mainers were fed up and decided to run for the hills instead of waiting for his constituents to send him packing. Maine’s Second District has repeatedly voted for President Trump, is clearly ready for a change, and will be one to watch in the midterms.”
— Republican National Committee Spokesperson Kristen Cianci
“I have known and respected Jared, his wife and his family for ten years, and I can assure you that every word in his statement is true and heartfelt. In these cynical times we all know of elected officials who falsely claim to leave office because of family responsibilities, but with Jared Golden I can promise you it is the truth. It is time for Mainers of all political persuasions to say to Jared and Isobel, ‘Thank you for your service.'”
— Former Maine Attorney General James Tierney
“Congressman Jared Golden’s decision not to seek re-election is a sad reflection of what our politics has become. As he noted in his Bangor Daily News op-ed, our politics has become consumed with point scoring instead of problem solving. Jared has served Maine with integrity and courage, often putting principle before party. I wish him and his family all the best. Maine has been well served by his leadership in Washington.”
— Maine Senator Rick Bennett, I-Oxford, independent candidate for governor
“Congressman Golden has made a challenging decision. Spending more time with his family is something he will never regret. I wish him the best and thank him for his service to our country and the people of Maine.”
— Hannah Pingree, Democratic candidate for Maine governor, and former state representative
“I sincerely commend Jared for all the work he has done for Mainers, from lowering costs to protecting lobstermen’s jobs and fighting for veterans. His efforts to revitalize the Blue Dog Coalition have helped to grow our party, and his willingness to cross the aisle and find bipartisan solutions was deservedly rewarded time and time again by his constituents who continued to re-elect him despite bruising campaigns. He has devoted his life so far to service, first as a Marine, then in the Maine legislature, and in Congress since 2019. He embodies Maine’s independent spirit and I wish him and his family all the best in their next chapter. Last night’s election results make clear that voters are ready to elect a Democratic majority that keeps its promise to lower costs and fight for everyday people. Democrats will do everything necessary to keep this seat blue so that Mainers continue to have a voice fighting for them in Congress — and we are confident we will be successful.”
— U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Washington, who chairs the House Democratic campaign arm
“We commend Congressman Golden for his decades of dedicated service, both in Congress and through his military service. Like so many of us Mainers, family comes first for him and we therefore deeply understand and respect his choice to step away from this work and wish him luck in his next chapter.
Congressman Golden has been a vigorous voice for Mainers in Washington, standing up time and again for our fishermen, unions, health care and communities.
As we watch the Republicans’ toxic agenda continue to drive up costs while taking a wrecking ball to our rural health care and threatening our freedoms, the Maine Democratic Party is more committed than ever to defending Maine’s second congressional district.
As a party, we will continue to confront and defeat those who seek to profit from tearing Mainers apart as a cynical tactic to distract us from the billionaire class they serve so willingly. Right now, that means never allowing a destructive, self-serving politician like Paul LePage to represent CD2.”
— Devon Murphy-Anderson, executive director of the Maine Democratic Party
“He, nor any other Democrat, has a path to victory in ME-02 and Republicans will flip this seat red in 2026.”
— Maureen O’Toole, a spokesperson for national Republicans’ campaign arm
“My first reaction to it is: We’ve lost someone who’s genuinely willing to kind of cross party lines, and it’s not just for show.”
— Jeremy Fischer, a Democratic lawyer who used to represent Presque Isle in the Maine Legislature
BDN writer Billy Kobin contributed reporting.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly attributed a comment from Maine gubernatorial candidate Angus King III to his father the U.S. senator.