Jared Golden says he wants to stay in Congress, won't run for governor
May 20—U.S. Rep. Jared Golden said Tuesday that he will seek another term representing Maine's 2nd District in Congress.
Golden, a Lewiston Democrat who has represented the district since 2019, may face a primary challenge from State Auditor Matthew Dunlap. Former Republican Gov. Paul LePage announced earlier this month that he is running for the seat.
Golden, 42, has been raising money for another reelection campaign for Congress, but has also been mentioned as a possible gubernatorial or U.S. Senate candidate.
"While I have considered many options for how best to continue serving the people of Maine, I have decided to run for re-election 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 voting records and public statements — including his willingness to work with President Donald Trump and his support 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 hold a seat in a district that has repeatedly backed Donald Trump.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was quick to back Golden after Dunlap said he was considering a primary challenge.
"Rep. Golden has proven he is uniquely-suited to win tough races, and the DCCC is proud to work to reelect him once again next November," DCCC Spokesperson Nebeyatt Betre said.
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.
Golden narrowly won reelection in 2024 against his Republican challenger, former state Rep. Austin Theriault.
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 eyed the district as a seat to flip in 2026.
Golden, a centrist Democrat, said prior to last year's election that he was "OK" with Trump winning. Golden won his seat after a ranked choice runoff against Republican Austin Theriault, a first-term state lawmaker.
This story will be updated.
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