Jared Golden ME-02

Jared Golden

Summary

Current Position: US Representative since 2019
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2023 US Representative for District 2
Former Position: State Delegate from 2014 – 2018
Other Positions:  Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development Subcommittee
District:  most of the land area north of the Portland and Augusta metropolitan areas. 

Golden, along with Angus King and Chellie Pingree, are the first members of Congress to be elected by ranked-choice voting. Golden is the only member of Congress elected after finishing second in the first round of tabulation. He was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as a United States Marine.

Quotes: 
Proud to work with @SenatorCollins
to get this bill across the finish line. $200 million in relief funds will be available for loggers and log haulers in ME and across the USA starting Thursday. We’re ready to work with Maine loggers to apply for this program. #mepolitics

OnAir Post: Jared Golden ME-02

News

Nation’s eyes drawn to Maine’s 2nd House District
Central Maine. Com, Randy Billings – June 16, 2024

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About

Source: Government page

Jared Golden 1Jared Golden represents the Second District of Maine in the United States Congress, where he serves on the Small Business Committee and the Armed Services Committee.

He grew up in Leeds, a small town in Androscoggin County. After enlisting as an infantryman in the Marines, Golden deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan before returning home to Maine.

Congressman Golden currently lives in Lewiston with his wife Isobel.

Personal

Full Name: Jared F. Golden

Gender: Male

Family: Wife: Isobel

Birth Date: 07/25/1982

Birth Place: Leeds, ME

Home City: Lewiston, ME

Religion: Christian

Source: Vote Smart

Education

BA, Politics and History, Bates College, 2007-2011

Attended, University of Maine, Farmington, 2001-2002

Political Experience

Representative, United States House of Representatives, Maine, District 2, 2019-present

Candidate, United States House of Representatives, Maine, District 2, 2022

Assistant Majority Floor Leader, Maine State House of Representatives, 2017-2018

Representative, Maine State House of Representatives, District 60, 2014-2018

Professional Experience

Former Employee, International Logistics Industry

Legislative Aide, Maine House Democratic Office, 2013-2014

Legislative Aide, Office of Senator Susan M. Collins, 2013

Professional Staff Member, United States Senate, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, 2011-2012

Regional Representative, Paxton International, 2011

Intern, Paxton Interntional, 2010

Served, United States Marine Corps Reserve, 2008-2009

Served, United States Marine Corps, 2002-2006

Offices

Bangor, Maine Office
6 State Street
Suite 101
Bangor, ME 04401
Phone: (207) 249-7400

Caribou, Maine Office
7 Hatch Drive
Suite 230
Caribou, ME 04736
Phone: (207) 492-6009

Lewiston, Maine Office
179 Lisbon Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
Phone: (207) 241-6767
Fax: (207) 241-6770

Contact

Email: Government

Web Links

Politics

Source: none

Election Results

To learn more, go to this wikipedia section in this post.

Finances

Source: Open Secrets

Committees

Congressman Jared Golden serves on the House Armed Services Committee. He serves on the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee and the Readiness Subcommittee.

He also serves on the House Small Business Committee. He is the Chairman of the Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development Subcommittee.

Caucuses 

  • ALS Caucus
  • Appalachian Trail Caucus
  • Arts Caucus
  • Boating Caucus
  • Construction Procurement Caucus
  • Gaming Caucus
  • End Corruption Caucus
  • Humanities Caucus
  • LGBT Equality Caucus
  • Military Mental Health Task Force
  • National Service Caucus
  • Native American Caucus
  • Navy and Marine Corps Caucus
  • Organic Caucus
  • Paper and Packaging Caucus
  • Primary Care Caucus
  • Shipbuilding Caucus
  • Small Brewers Caucus
  • Sportsmen’s Caucus
  • Working Forests Caucus

New Legislation

CONGRESS.GOV 

Issues

Source: Government page

Governance

Jared believes our government should work for regular Mainers, not corporations, special interests, or the wealthy. He’s fighting to restore faith and trust in our democracy by getting money out of politics and ensuring public officials act in the public good.

One of the first bills Jared cosponsored when he arrived in Congress was H.R. 1, the For the People Act. The For the People Act is the most sweeping democracy reform to pass the House in decades and includes legislation to shine a light on dark money, help more Americans exercise their right to vote, and ensure government officials act in the public interest. The bill also contains provisions that would strengthen election systems from foreign interference and expand prohibitions on foreign political donations.

In March, Jared helped pass H.R. 1 through the House and secured an amendment in the legislation to set tougher restrictions for candidates utilizing a new matching funds system (similar to the Clean Elections system we have in Maine). He has also voted for legislation that would harden America’s defenses against election interference by foreign countries and make it more difficult for foreign entities to spend money to influence elections. Jared will continue to take action to defend American democracy and make government work for the people.

Education

Education

No matter where in the state they live or how much money their family makes, Maine kids deserve a high-quality education. This work has never been more important: Maine’s workforce is aging rapidly, creating a skills and workforce shortage. Jared recognizes the urgent need to prepare Mainers to address these shortages and ready the next generations with the skills required to stay in Maine and take good jobs.

That means providing schools, particularly in rural areas, with the resources they need to be successful. Teachers are some of the most valuable public servants in Maine. They should not have to struggle to make ends meet and they should have the freedom to teach rather than devoting all their time to testing. Earlier this year, Jared voted to boost funding for K-12 education and provide more support for special education programs across the country.

Many of the dependable, middle-class jobs in Maine don’t require a four year degree. Industries like shipbuilding and forest products need workers with specialized technical skills. Jared believes we need to improve the pathways to these jobs with better access to training programs and more support for apprenticeships. Jared has stood up against changes that would hurt successful apprenticeship programs. He also passed legislation through the House that directs the Navy to develop and implement a plan to train the workforce necessary for its growing fleet at Bath Iron Works and other shipyards.

Jared knows many Mainers struggle under the weight of student loans, stifling their ability to buy a house, start a family, or launch a business. He’s working to help make higher education more affordable for regular folks. Student loan debt in our state has doubled in the last decade, averaging about $30,000 for recent graduates. These are pressures that older generations just didn’t have to deal with and they keep young Mainers from contributing to their local economies, buying houses, having children, and often pushes them to leave the state in search of higher pay. Jared voted to expand Pell Grants, our country’s largest financial aid program. He is also a cosponsor of the What You Can Do For Your Country Act, which improves the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program so that teachers, nurses, first responders, and other professions designed to serve their communities can have their loans forgiven after a decade of service.

Environment

Energy & Environment

Maine’s natural environment is our state’s most important resource. Our oceans and forests power our economy and support hundreds of thousands of jobs in our state thanks to Maine’s long, proud tradition of sustainable fishing, forestry, agriculture, and land conservation. We manage our resources responsibly so that they’re there for future generations. Jared is working to carry on that important legacy.

Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge of our time. Jared believes it presents a unique and pressing threat to homes, jobs, and entire industries across our state, as well as our national security. He has pushed for our country to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement and he voted to pass the Climate Action Now Act, which would direct the administration to begin the decisive, comprehensive actions necessary to address climate change.

Maine’s potential to spur economic growth, create jobs in rural areas, and combat climate change through solar, wind, and biomass energy production is unparalleled in the Northeastern US. Jared is working to pave the way for these industries to flourish and support jobs here in Maine with legislation like the BTU Act, which would incentivize the use of biomass for affordable, energy- efficient heating in homes and businesses and help grow Maine’s forest products industry. Jared is working to help Maine take advantage of its potential for wind and solar energy through tax credits and other policies.

Like most Mainers, Jared grew up with a love of the outdoors and our state’s mountains, woods, rivers, and coastline. He is committed to protecting Maine’s national parks and other public lands and ensuring that future generations of Mainers can continue to hunt, fish, hike, and enjoy our state’s natural beauty. Jared has voted to ban drilling for oil and gas off the coast of Maine and to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, one of our country’s most important conservation programs.

Health Care

Health Care

More than any other issue, Mainers tell Jared about how much they struggle with the high cost of health care. Americans spend twice as much on health care as other advanced countries, but we still receive worse health outcomes. Whether it’s unaffordable insurance premiums, the skyrocketing cost of medication, or an hours-long drive to see an expensive specialist, it’s clear our health care system is broken.

Jared believes our country needs to move towards a universal coverage system that makes health care affordable for every Mainer. We won’t get there overnight, so Jared is working right now to defend protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions, lower costs by making improvements to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and help more Mainers receive health care coverage by protecting Medicaid and Medicare.

One of the biggest reasons Mainers struggle to afford their care is the ever-increasing cost of prescription drugs. At a time when drug corporations are raking in profits, millions of Americans can’t afford the medications they need. That’s why one of the first bills Jared introduced was the FLAT Prices Act, which punishes pharmaceutical companies for spiking the prices of their drugs. He’s also cosponsored important bills to allow Americans to import safe, affordable drugs from Canada, give Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors and millions of other Americans, and cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for seniors.

Jared knows many Mainers work with their hands and it takes a toll on their bodies over a long career. That’s why he supports legislation to allow Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 to buy into Medicare. People who buy into the new plan could reduce their annual premiums by thousands of dollars, crucial progress for middle-aged Maine people who face rising healthcare costs but are not yet of retirement age.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure

When Jared asks small business owners, town managers, and other Mainers working to create jobs and develop our state’s economy about their most pressing needs, rebuilding Maine’s infrastructure is almost always high on the list. Investing in infrastructure creates jobs, boosts local economies, and helps our rural communities thrive. Jared serves as Chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure, leading the committee’s work to rebuild American infrastructure.

As one of the most rural states in the country, we know better than most the impact that deteriorating roads, rail, and other infrastructure have on our daily lives. For many Mainers, it means thousands of dollars in car repairs and lost wages thanks to delays or closures. For businesses large and small, it means higher costs, late shipments, and other issues that put them at a competitive disadvantage.

In an increasingly dysfunctional and partisan Washington, improving America’s infrastructure is one of the few issues that both Republicans and Democrats claim is a priority. Jared has pushed for both parties to back up their words with actions and work across the aisle on a strong infrastructure bill that finally makes the investment we need in roads, bridges, and rail. As an infrastructure bill takes shape, Jared will work to ensure that any legislation doesn’t disadvantage cash-poor states like Maine against populous, cash-rich states like New York, Massachusetts, and California.

Jared understands that broadband internet access is one of the most significant infrastructure challenges holding back many rural communities and small businesses. He’s made expanding rural broadband a priority in his first year in Congress. In September, Jared brought a congressional hearing to Machias to learn from the small broadband providers working to expand broadband to rural communities Down East about the challenges they’re facing.

Safety

National Security and Servicemembers

After 9/11, Jared answered the call to serve our country and enlisted in the Marines, deploying overseas to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He knows firsthand the consequences of sending our troops into foreign conflicts without a clear, well-articulated strategy for their mission and their withdrawal. He uses his experience as a Marine combat veteran when confronted with national security decisions in Congress.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Jared works across the aisle to create policies that keep America safe and ensure that our servicemembers have the training and tools they need to fight for our country.

Jared believes we need to reevaluate the use of the American military in foreign conflicts and strike a pragmatic balance: we must be clear-eyed about the consequences of withdrawing our troops from strategically important regions in the fight against terrorism, like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, while acknowledging that nation-building and long, protracted wars are not in our country’s best interests.

Earlier this year, Jared voted to affirm Congress’ authority under the War Powers Resolution and prevent the administration from a military attack on Iran unless authorized by Congress. He also voted to repeal the 2002 Authorized Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq, which provided the Bush Administration with authority to attack Iraq during the reign of Saddam Hussein. The Iraq AUMF has been rendered obsolete and is not needed by the Pentagon to conduct current military operations.

Jared deeply respects Maine’s servicemembers and also knows many civilian Mainers play a critically important role in our national defense as well. Thousands perform vital defense work in our state, including building the finest warships on the planet at Bath Iron Works and defense research at our universities. Jared uses his position on the Armed Services Committee to support these institutions and their workers at the federal level, ensuring that they have access to the resources they need and helping create a level playing field to compete for federal contracts.

Veterans

Veterans

Maine has a long, proud tradition of military service. More than one in ten Mainers is a veteran, and Jared is one of them. He understands the sacrifices veterans and their families have made for our country and he’s working hard to make sure they receive the benefits they’ve earned. In Congress, Jared’s focused on improving the health care veterans receive at the VA, helping them transition from active duty to civilian life, and connecting them with resources they can use to get a good job, receive an education, and start a business.

When he returned home from deployment, Jared was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress. He was lucky: he had a support system and was able to get the care he needed. Jared knows that for many veterans with mental health challenges, that isn’t the case. He’s committed to strengthening mental health care for all veterans in Maine. That’s why he’s leading efforts to expand mental health care at Togus to allow long-term mental health patients to stay in Maine to receive treatment rather than be sent out of state. Earlier this year, he successfully passed a provision through the House to increase the amount of funding provided for veterans’ long-term mental health care across the country.

Jared believes the VA provides critical services to Maine veterans and that the VA should not be privatized and handed over to big corporations looking to squeeze out big profits. He knows that the VA isn’t without significant problems, but he believes that those problems are best solved by conducting effective oversight and providing the agency with necessary resources. Earlier this year, Jared helped pass a bill through the House to expand the services available to Vietnam war veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange while serving off-shore. Jared will continue to hold the VA accountable and ensure Maine veterans receive the high quality care they’ve earned.

Opioids

The opioid epidemic is devastating in Maine. In 2018, opioid overdose deaths declined for the first time since the beginning of the decade, but still claimed the lives of 354 of our friends, family, and neighbors. Thousands more remain addicted and need treatment.

This is a crisis that will have long-lasting impacts and Jared believes we must do everything in our power to fight back against opioid addiction and abuse in Maine and throughout the country. One of his first acts in Congress was to call on congressional leaders to make combating the opioid crisis a priority. Jared is also a member of the House Opioid Task Force.

Jared knows that addressing the opioid crisis requires a comprehensive approach, including prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement. State and local agencies are working hard in all of these areas, but they can’t do it alone. The federal government must step up to the plate and tackle the fight against opioid use disorder head-on.

That’s why Jared’s fighting back against efforts to roll back Medicaid, the largest source of coverage for treatment services to Americans struggling with opioid addiction. He’s also working to expand the resources available to communities deeply affected by the crisis. Jared is a cosponsor of the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, which would make grants to fight substance use disorder and the opioid epidemic available to the Maine communities hardest hit by these drugs.

Small Business

Jared grew up working on his family’s small business in Leeds, Maine and learning from his parents about the hard work it takes to keep a small business going these days. He knows small businesses are especially important to us in Maine, particularly in rural areas. From lobster boats to dairy farms to the remaining shops that line Main Street in towns across the state, Mainers have a proud legacy of independent, family-owned businesses that we must fight to preserve.

Small businesses provide more than half of the jobs in our state. So when Jared arrived in Congress, he sought out a position on the House Small Business Committee, where he can work directly on the issues that affect Maine small businesses. Jared leads the committee’s work to improve infrastructure for small businesses across the country and help them compete for federal contracts as chairman of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure. As part of this work, Jared passed a bill through the House to reauthorize and expand the Small Business Development Center program, which provides low- or no-cost business counseling and training at 11 locations throughout the Second District to help Mainers launch or grow their small businesses.

Since taking office in January, Jared has been travelling the Second District meeting with small businesses and convening roundtables with small business owners to learn what they need to succeed and grow. He’s focused on making Washington work for Maine small businesses and connecting them with the resources they need to be successful: capital and grant opportunities, business training, advising, mentoring services, and other programs designed to help them grow and create jobs. In September, Jared brought a congressional hearing to Machias, Maine to learn from small broadband providers and municipal leaders about the challenges they face bringing broadband to rural communities Down East.

Small businesses have told Jared that Congress needs to take action to improve our roads, rails, bridges, and other infrastructure. That includes finally making progress on rural broadband, one issue that small businesses struggle with regardless of industry. Jared knows Maine small businesses also need qualified, experienced workers, and he’s working to meet that need by improving the skills of Maine’s workforce through training and apprenticeship programs. He understands that Washington regulations often hold Maine small businesses back, and he looks to cut red tape when regulations don’t make sense for Maine.

Maine’s Heritage Industries

Maine’s economy and culture are tied to our heritage industries – fishing, logging, shipbuilding, farming, and others – and they provide thousands of Mainers with good-paying jobs. These industries are the bedrock of many communities in Maine, particularly in rural areas. They rely on a skilled workforce, responsible use of our state’s abundant natural resources, and the hard work of generations of Mainers.

Jared has worked hard to make sure he understands the challenges Mainers working in these industries face. He’s traveled to farms throughout the Second District to learn from a wide variety of farmers about what they need to be successful and how he can help connect them with resources. Thousands of Mainers in the Second District build ships at Bath Iron Works and Jared has met them at the South Gate, in the union halls, and in the shipyard. Jared has used his position on the House Armed Services Committee to help protect these good shipbuilding jobs and ensure our country’s finest warships are ‘Bath-built, best-built’ far into the future.

When new proposed regulations threatened the livelihoods of Maine lobstermen earlier this year, Jared led the Maine delegation in speaking out. Since then, he has worked closely with the lobstering community to ensure the regulations are based on the best available evidence and don’t unfairly target lobstermen. He proposed a bold amendment to block the regulations until the underlying data had undergone a scientific peer review process. He also led the delegation to urge the president to intervene directly. Jared will continue to stand up for lobstermen and push back against misguided, burdensome regulations.

Each of Maine’s heritage industries is changing. Jared is focused on making sure the next generation of fishermen, loggers, shipbuilders, and farmers can count on stable jobs that support their families. He’s focused on opening up new markets to Maine products, addressing workforce shortages and preparing young Mainers to work in these fields, and fighting federal regulations that don’t work for Maine.

More Information

Services

Source: Government page

District

Source: Wikipedia

Maine’s 2nd congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Maine. Covering 27,326 square miles (70,770 km2), it comprises nearly 80% of the state’s total land area. The district comprises most of the land area north of the Portland and Augusta metropolitan areas. It includes the cities of Lewiston, Bangor, Auburn, and Presque Isle. The district is represented by Democrat Jared Golden, who took office in 2019.

It is the largest district by area east of the Mississippi River, and the 24th largest overall. It is the second-most rural district in the United States, with 72% of its population in rural areas, and it has the second highest proportion of non-Hispanic White residents (94%); only Kentucky’s 5th congressional district exceeds it in the two categories.[2] Furthermore, it is the only district in New England that voted for Donald Trump in 2020. Additionally, it was one of five districts that would have voted for Trump in 2020 had they existed in their current configuration while being won or held by a Democrat in 2022.

Wikipedia

Maine’s 2nd congressional district since 2019. A Democrat, he represents a district encompassing the northern four-fifths of the state, including the cities of Lewiston, Bangor, and Auburn, along with the state capital of Augusta. It is the largest district east of the Mississippi River. His district was carried by Donald Trump in both the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections, making it a politically competitive area. Golden concurrently won his district both times.

Golden was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as a United States Marine. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his performance during Operation Steel Curtain in the Iraq War.

Golden, along with Angus King and Chellie Pingree, were the first members of Congress to be elected by ranked-choice voting. He is the only representative to win after initially placing second in the first round of tabulation.[1][2]

A self-described progressive conservative, Golden previously served as a co-chair of the Blue Dog Coalition. On November 5, 2025, Golden announced he would not seek re-election in 2026.[3]

Early life and education

Jared Forrest Golden was born on July 25, 1982, in Lewiston, Maine, and was raised in the nearby town of Leeds.[4] He attended Leavitt Area High School in the town of Turner, Maine, competed on the school’s baseball, soccer, football, and basketball teams, and graduated in 2001.[4] He then attended the University of Maine at Farmington, intending to become a history teacher.[5][4]

Military career

Golden was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his performance during Operation Steel Curtain

Following the September 11 attacks on the United States, however, Golden left college and enlisted in the U.S, Marines.[6] He was assigned to Kilo Company of the 3rd Battalion of the 6th Marines, an infantry unit based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.[4]

In the spring of 2004, Golden deployed to the Kunar Province of eastern Afghanistan along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border in the Hindu Kush mountain range.[4] Stationed at a remote mountaintop outpost, his small team provided security and overwatch for a detachment of Green Berets engaged in counter-terrorism operations.[4] During this tour, his unit survived the detonation of a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) on their truck on the day of Afghanistan’s first presidential election.[4]

He deployed for a second combat tour from late 2005 to early 2006, serving in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq.[6][4] During this tour, he participated in Operation Steel Curtain in 2005, a major joint offensive targeting foreign fighters and insurgent networks along the Euphrates River near the Syrian border.[4] Golden rose to the rank of corporal, and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his performance during the operation.[4] He completed his active duty enlistment and was honorably discharged in December 2006.[6][5] He later served a brief stint in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from May 2008 to April 2009.[6][4]

Return to Maine, and further education

Upon returning to Maine, Golden earned a degree in history and politics from Bates College in Lewiston.[7] While he was completing his degree at Bates, he returned to Afghanistan during his summer semester to work as a volunteer school teacher.[8]

Early career

Following his college graduation, he worked as an international representative for Paxton International, an international logistics firm, from January to August 2011.[9][10] In his position with the firm, he deployed back to the Middle East to manage logistics operations on-site in Iraq and Afghanistan.[9]

In September 2011, he joined the staff of Maine Republican senator Susan Collins, working as a professional staff member for the Republican minority on the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs until January 2013.[11][12][13][4][14] He subsequently transitioned directly into Senator Collins’s personal office, serving as a legislative assistant from January 2013 to August 2013, before returning to Maine to work for the state legislature.[15][16]

Maine House of Representatives

In 2013, Golden returned to Maine. He worked as a legislative aide for the House Democratic Office in the Maine Legislature.[17]

In 2014, as a Democrat he campaigned for a seat in the Maine House of Representatives and won the election to represent House District 60, which encompassed a significant portion of his resident city of Lewiston.[18][19]

Golden was reelected to the Maine House of Representatives in 2016.[20] In the subsequent legislative session, he was selected to be the Assistant House Majority Leader.[5] Golden also chaired the Elections Committee and the Joint Select Committee on Joint Rules.[21]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2018

On August 24, 2017, Golden announced his candidacy to challenge incumbent Republican Representative Bruce Poliquin to serve in the United States House of Representatives for Maine’s 2nd congressional district.[5] On June 20, 2018, he was declared the winner of the Democratic primary, defeating environmentalist Lucas St. Clair and bookstore owner Craig Olson.[22]

On election night, Golden initially trailed Poliquin by 2,000 votes.[23] Because no candidate won a majority of first-place votes, Maine’s newly implemented ranked-choice voting system called for the votes initially for independents Tiffany Bond and William Hoar to be redistributed to Poliquin or Golden in accordance with their voters’ second choice.[24] The independents’ supporters ranked Golden as their second choice by an overwhelming margin, allowing him to defeat Poliquin by a margin of 3,000 votes after the final tabulation.[25] He was the first challenger to unseat an incumbent in the district since 1916.[26]

Poliquin then contested the legitimacy of the use of ranked-choice voting in the election, and claimed that he was the rightful winner because of his first-round plurality lead. He filed a lawsuit in federal court asking the court to declare ranked-choice voting to be unconstitutional, and asking the court to declare him to be the winner. Chief U.S. district judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine Lance E. Walker rejected all of Poliquin’s arguments, and upheld the certified results.[27] Poliquin then appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, and asked the court to issue an emergency injunction that would prevent Golden from being certified as the winner. His request was denied.[28] On December 24, Poliquin dropped his lawsuit, clearing the path for Golden to be seated in the 116th United States Congress.[29]

2020

Golden visits a diner and meets constituents in his district.

Golden ran for reelection in 2020 and won the Democratic primary unopposed. His Republican opponent was Dale Crafts, a former Maine representative. Most political pundits expected Golden to win the general election easily; polling showed him ahead of Crafts by an average of about 19%, Sabato’s Crystal Ball and The Cook Political Report both rating the contest as “Likely Democratic”, and analysis website FiveThirtyEight predicted that Golden had a 96 out of 100 chance of winning, with Golden garnering nearly 57% of the vote in their projection of the most likely scenario.[30][31][32][33]

In November, Golden defeated Crafts 53%–47%.[34] President Donald Trump carried the district in that same election.[35]

2022

Golden ran for reelection in 2022 and won the Democratic primary unopposed.[36] Redistricting pushed the 2nd further into Kennebec County. Notably, he picked up Augusta, which had long been part of the 1st district.[citation needed]

Golden faced former Republican congressman Bruce Poliquin, whom he narrowly beat in 2018, and independent Tiffany Bond, who also ran for the 2nd congressional district seat in 2018. In July, Golden was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, Maine’s largest police union, which “split the ticket” by also endorsing former Republican governor Paul LePage.[37] Polls again showed Golden with a lead,[38] but many organizations rated the seat as a “tossup”, as incumbent president Joe Biden was unpopular and inflation was approaching 40-year highs; Decision Desk HQ even gave the seat a “Leans Republican” rating.[39] Nonetheless, Golden led the field in the first round, and defeated Poliquin 53%–47% after Bond’s second-choice votes mostly flowed to him.[40]

2024

Golden won a fourth term in Congress.[41] He very narrowly defeated Republican state Representative Austin Theriault, who was endorsed by Donald Trump.[42]

Golden’s district was again concurrently carried by Trump in the 2024 United States presidential election in Maine.[43]

Tenure

Golden (left) with Governor Janet Mills and the Maine congressional delegation

Golden was sworn in on January 3, 2019. During the election for speaker of the House, he voted against Democratic Caucus nominee Nancy Pelosi, as he had pledged to do during his campaign, instead casting his vote for Representative Cheri Bustos of Illinois.[44] Golden voted in 2019 for Article I of the articles of impeachment against Donald Trump but was one of three Democrats to vote against Article II.[45]

Golden endorsed Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado during the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries.[46]

Golden represents the second-most rural district in the United States, with 72% of its population living in rural areas. The district also has the second-highest proportion of non-Hispanic White residents (94%). Only Kentucky’s 5th congressional district exceeds it in the two categories.[47] Additionally, his district was carried by Donald Trump in 2020,[48] the only district in New England to do so.

On November 5, 2025, Golden, stating that he had “grown tired of the increasing incivility and plain nastiness” of contemporary politics, announced he would not seek re-election in the 2026 election.[49]

Committee assignments

For the 119th Congress:[50]

Caucus memberships

Political positions

Golden is a conservative Blue Dog Democrat.[54] He has advocated what he calls “progressive conservatism” and was described as an “obstinate independent” by Axios.[55] Golden stated in 2024 that he had not attended a Democratic caucus meeting since October 2021, which his spokesperson explained by saying that it’s because he is “the most independent member of his party in the House” so he “has little need” to attend those meetings.[56]

Tariffs

In 2025, Golden was one of the only Democrats in Congress to openly support President Donald Trump‘s tariff policy. He criticized his party’s perceived shift toward defending free trade deals and the stock market and “coming out strongly” against Trump’s tariffs, advocating instead for a populist approach of “progressive conservatism“. Golden expressed concern over Trump backing down from his tariff policy, telling Axios, “My biggest worry is that they’re going to do this and lose faith and political will and back away.” He opposed Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks‘ measure in the house to “kill Trump’s tariffs”.[55]

In January 2025, Golden introduced legislation that would put a universal 10% tariff on all imports into the U.S. His stance put him at odds with House Democrats. Golden also dismissed the 2025 stock market crash that followed President Trump’s tariffs saying, “The vast majority of Americans have no stocks.”[55]

Presidency of Donald Trump

In an op-ed written in June 2024, Golden argued that “While I don’t plan to vote for him, Donald Trump is going to win. And I’m OK with that”. He rejected the premise that a second Trump term would present “a unique threat to our democracy”, and added that “pearl-clutching about a Trump victory ignores the strength of our democracy”. He argued that the members of Congress, citizens and other institutions can hold the president accountable and defend democracy. Several community and Democratic leaders of Maine criticized him for writing the op-ed and accused him of minimizing threats posed by a second Trump presidency.[57]

Government funding

Golden was the only Democrat to have voted for the Republican stopgap spending bill to avert a government shutdown, voting against the instructions of House Democratic leadership.[58]

Abortion

Golden has maintained a consistent voting record supporting abortion rights He has a 100% rating from Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), and an F grade from the anti-abortion Susan B. Anthony List, for his abortion-related voting history.[59][60]

COVID-19 pandemic

Golden in January 2023, during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, was one of seven Democrats to vote with Republicans in favor of H.R.497, the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act, which sought to lift U.S. COVID-19 vaccine mandates for healthcare workers participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs.[61][62] A day later, he was among 12 Democrats who joined Republicans in supporting a resolution to immediately terminate the COVID-19 national emergency first declared in March 2020.[63][64]

George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

Golden meets with Penobscot County sheriff and staff.

In March 2021, Golden was one of two Democrats to vote with Republicans against the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.[65] While he acknowledged the bill had many good provisions, such as creating a national registry for police misconduct, increasing data collection, promoting de-escalation tactics, and banning chokeholds unless deadly force was authorized, he expressed concern over its proposed restrictions on qualified immunity for local and state officers. Golden argued that altering qualified immunity standards would negatively impact the recruitment and retention of police officers, particularly within rural communities in Maine.[66] Golden also criticized the lack of bipartisan negotiations or committee amendments before the legislation was brought to a vote on the House floor.[67]

June 2025 confrontations of fellow Democrats

In response to a June 2025 incident involving Representative LaMonica McIver and a separate confrontation involving Senator Alex Padilla, Golden sharply broke with his party line. He panned the actions of his colleagues, characterizing their conduct as “politics as theatre.” Golden criticized the conduct of fellow Democrat Padilla, saying that “storming into the FBI headquarters, trying to break up a press conference, and rushing a Cabinet secretary” is not appropriate behavior for someone in public office. Commenting on the physical altercation, he said that “where I come from, if you shove a police officer, you’re probably getting arrested”, while also adding that this doesn’t justify excessive force by law enforcement officers. Other Democrats disagreed with his interpretation of what happened.[68]

Education

Golden was one of two House Democrats (the other being Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington) to side with Republicans in voting to overturn President Joe Biden‘s student loan debt cancellation plan of 2023 under the HEROES Act.[69] Golden defended his vote by arguing that broad debt forgiveness unfairly burdened working-class taxpayers who did not attend college or who had already paid off their student debt, characterizing the executive policy as a regressive redistribution of wealth.[70] After the Supreme Court‘s struck down the primary program in Biden v. Nebraska in 2023, Golden voted again with a bipartisan coalition on February 7, 2024, in favor of a Congressional Review Act resolution to block the administration’s subsequent income-driven repayment adjustment plan.[71][72]

Foreign policy

Ukraine

Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Golden has been a consistent supporter of military and financial assistance to Ukraine. He says that the defense of Ukrainian sovereignty is a vital U.S. national security interest.[73] He voted for major aid packages to Ukraine, arguing that opposing Russian expansion is necessary for security.[73][74]

In 2024, Golden partnered with Pennsylvania Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick to introduce the Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act, a bipartisan proposal linking aid to border security.[74][75] On April 20, 2024, he voted for H.R. 8035, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act.[73] On June 4, 2026, he voted for the Ukraine Support Act, supporting continued military aid and loans to counter Russian action.[74]

During the Russo-Ukrainian War, Golden organized a letter signed by several members of Congress, urging Biden to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.[76]

Hamas

Following the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, Golden strongly condemned Hamas, calling for the group’s dismantling and the return of the hostages that Hamas had taken to the Gaza Strip, while rejecting arguments of equal blame between Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.[77] In May 2024, he criticized President Biden for withholding military aid from Israel, arguing that it showed weakness and disputing accusations that Israel was committing war crimes.[78] Following a January 2025 Gaza war ceasefire, he said that lasting peace requires Hamas to “lay down the weapons.”[79] During the Gaza war, Golden opposed calls for a ceasefire.[80] He voted in favor of providing $14.3 billion in additional funding to support Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip at the start of the war.[81]

Iran

With regard to Iran and the hostilities that broke out with it on February 28, 2026, Golden initially opposed legislative efforts to limit U.S. executive military authority. On March 5, 2026, he bucked the majority of his party to vote against a proposed War Powers resolution that would have forced an immediate withdrawal of forces, arguing that an abrupt exit while service members were actively engaged would destabilize the region and weaken the United States’ positioning.[82] On April 16, 2026, Golden was the lone Democrat to side with House Republicans to narrowly defeat a subsequent proposed War Powers resolution by a 213–214 vote, stating that maintaining military presence was necessary to protect the U.S. negotiating position during active ceasefire discussions.[83][84]

However, after the statutory 60-day window under the War Powers Act of 1973 expired on May 1 without the administration securing congressional approval, Golden shifted his position.[85] On June 3, 2026, Golden voted in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 86, a bipartisan 215–208 measure to remove United States forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran, stating that while the executive branch legally retained unilateral authority for the first 60 days of the conflict, continued military engagement and naval blockades could not legally persist without explicit congressional approval.[86][87]

Guns

Golden meets with constituents.

Golden was initially a staunch supporter of gun rights, but in the wake of a shooting tragedy reconsidered his views. In 2021, he was the only Democrat to vote against the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, a bill that aimed to expand background checks for gun purchases. He was also one of two Democrats, along with Ron Kind of Wisconsin, to vote against the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021, a bill that sought to close the Charleston loophole. Both bills passed the House in March 2021.[88] In 2022, Golden and Kurt Schrader of Oregon were the only Democrats to vote against raising the minimum age for purchasing semi-automatic centerfire rifles from 18 to 21.[89] Later that year, Golden joined Republicans and four other Democrats in voting against a bill that proposed banning assault weapons.[90]

However, after the 2023 Lewiston shootings in his hometown, in which 18 people were killed and 13 were wounded, Golden changed his stance. He publicly apologized for his previous opposition to restrictions on semi-automatic firearms, and called for a federal ban on assault weapons.[91] In the subsequent legislative sessions, he transitioned to supporting federal background check expansions and targeted firearms restrictions aligned with his updated stance.[92]

He stated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, “I really believe that any law-abiding and competent citizen should have fairly easy access to firearms.” However, the shooting raised questions for him, and he stated “Am I going to start carrying an AR-15 slung over my shoulder when I go to the grocery store, when I go to a restaurant?” He noted that the odds of being in the right place to stop an active shooter were slim. “And what responsibilities do I have as a leader of the community?”[93]

Immigration

Golden has frequently broken with his party on immigration policy, voting against certain pathways to legal residency and supporting funding for border enforcement, while at the same time supporting the retention of protections for DACA recipients. In 2021, Golden was the sole House Democrat to oppose the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, supported by 30 Republicans, which would have allowed over one million undocumented farm workers to apply for legal residency status.[94] Golden explained his vote alongside state leaders by saying that the bill adjusted temporary worker visas without closing regulatory loopholes that allowed foreign contractors to displace local laborers in Maine’s logging industry.[95] In 2025, Golden was one of 46 House Democrats who broke with party leadership and joined all Republicans in passing the Laken Riley Act, a bill requiring federal authorities to detain undocumented immigrants charged with theft and certain other crimes.[96][97] On January 22, 2026, he voted, joining a small group of moderate Democrats, to pass HR 7147, a funding bill for the United States Department of Homeland Security that included funding for United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).[98]

Conversely, Golden supported the American Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6) to protect individuals covered under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which gave them legislative protections and a pathway to legal status.[99][100]

Infrastructure

Golden at Elmet Technologies promoting manufacturing and infrastructure in Maine

In November 2021, Golden was the only House Democrat to vote with Republicans against the Build Back Better Act. He cited concerns about the proposed elimination of the $10,000 cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, characterizing the provision as a “tax break for millionaires,”while also criticizing the bill’s lack of comprehensive prescription drug pricing reform.[101]

However, in August 2022 he joined Democrats to vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, an amended version of the original bill that excluded the SALT deduction provision and incorporated provisions allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices.[102][103]

LGBT rights

Golden voted in 2022 for the Respect for Marriage Act, which repealed the Defense of Marriage Act and federally protected same-sex and interracial marriages.[104] He was one of four Democrats to join with the majority of House Republicans to pass the annual defense policy bill, which included provisions barring Pentagon funding for abortion and transgender surgeries.[105]

Marijuana

Jared Golden has an “A” grade from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) for his voting record on cannabis-related legislation.[106]

Trade

Golden was one of 38 Democrats to vote against the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement Implementation Act.[107] He expressed concern that the law’s labeling requirements would not prevent international companies from misbranding products, potentially harming Maine businesses. Golden also voiced skepticism about enforcement, citing America’s perceived poor track record with previous trade agreements in protecting workers.[108]

Voting rights

On April 10, 2025, Golden was one of only four Democrats who joined all of the Republicans in the House in voting in favor of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, commonly known as the SAVE Act. The bill places strict requirements to prove American citizenship in order to vote in federal elections.[109]

Personal life

Golden’s wife, Isobel “Izzy” (née Moiles), whom he had met while attending Bates College, served as a Lewiston city councilor from 2016 to 2018.[110][111][112][113] They have two daughters.[114] Golden has several tattoos from his time in the military, including a Celtic cross on his forearm and a “devil dog” which represents his Marine unit.[115][116]

Electoral history

Maine’s 2nd congressional district, 2018 Democratic primary elections results[117]
PartyCandidateRound 1Round 3
Votes%TransferVotes% (gross)% (net)
style=\”color:black;background-color:</span><span typeof=\”mw:Nowiki\” about=\”#mwt404\”></span><span about=\”#mwt404\”>#B0CEFF\”</span>”},{“html”:””}]]}’>23,611style=\”color:black;background-color:</span><span typeof=\”mw:Nowiki\” about=\”#mwt408\”></span><span about=\”#mwt408\”>#B0CEFF\”</span>”},{“html”:””}]]}’>54.3%
#</span><span about=\”#mwt412\”>3333FF</span>”}]]}’>DemocraticCraig Olson3,9938.8%-3,993Eliminated
[118]
PartyCandidateRound 1Round 3
Votes%TransferVotes% (gross)% (net)
style=\”color:black;background-color:</span><span typeof=\”mw:Nowiki\” about=\”#mwt422\”></span><span about=\”#mwt422\”>#B0CEFF\”</span>”},{“html”:””}]]}’>142,440style=\”color:black;background-color:</span><span typeof=\”mw:Nowiki\” about=\”#mwt428\”></span><span about=\”#mwt428\”>#B0CEFF\”</span>”},{“html”:””}]]}’>50.62%
#</span><span about=\”#mwt432\”>DCDCDC</span>”}]]}’>IndependentTiffany Bond16,5525.7%– 16,552Eliminated
{{cite web |title=November 3, 2020 General Election |url=https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/results/results20.html#novtab |website=Maine Department of Secretary of State |access-date=November 24, 2020 |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126152819/https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/results/results20.html#novtab |url-status=dead }}</ref>”}},”i”:0}},”\n”,{“template”:{“target”:{“wt”:”Election box winning candidate with party link no change\n”,”href”:”./Template:Election_box_winning_candidate_with_party_link_no_change”},”params”:{“candidate”:{“wt”:”Jared Golden (incumbent)”},”party”:{“wt”:”Democratic Party (United States)”},”votes”:{“wt”:”197,974″},”percentage”:{“wt”:”53.0″}},”i”:1}},”\n”,{“template”:{“target”:{“wt”:”Election box candidate with party link no change\n”,”href”:”./Template:Election_box_candidate_with_party_link_no_change”},”params”:{“candidate”:{“wt”:”[[Dale Crafts]]”},”party”:{“wt”:”Republican Party (United States)”},”votes”:{“wt”:”175,228″},”percentage”:{“wt”:”46.9″}},”i”:2}},”\n”,{“template”:{“target”:{“wt”:”Election box write-in with party link no change\n “,”href”:”./Template:Election_box_write-in_with_party_link_no_change”},”params”:{“votes”:{“wt”:”33″},”percentage”:{“wt”:”0.0″}},”i”:3}},”\n”,{“template”:{“target”:{“wt”:”Election box total no change\n”,”href”:”./Template:Election_box_total_no_change”},”params”:{“votes”:{“wt”:”373,235″},”percentage”:{“wt”:”100.0″}},”i”:4}},”\n”,{“template”:{“target”:{“wt”:”Election box hold with party link no change\n “,”href”:”./Template:Election_box_hold_with_party_link_no_change”},”params”:{“winner”:{“wt”:”Democratic Party (United States)”}},”i”:5}},”\n”,{“template”:{“target”:{“wt”:”Election box end”,”href”:”./Template:Election_box_end”},”params”:{},”i”:6}}]}’>

Maine’s 2nd congressional district, 2020[119]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticJared Golden (incumbent) 197,974 53.0
RepublicanDale Crafts175,22846.9
Write-in330.0
Total votes373,235 100.0
Democratic hold
Maine’s 2nd congressional district, 2022 results[120]
PartyCandidateRound 1Round 2
Votes%TransferVotes% (gross)% (net)
style=\”color:black;background-color:</span><span typeof=\”mw:Nowiki\” about=\”#mwt455\”></span><span about=\”#mwt455\”>#B0CEFF\”</span>”},{“html”:””}]]}’>165,136style=\”color:black;background-color:</span><span typeof=\”mw:Nowiki\” about=\”#mwt461\”></span><span about=\”#mwt461\”>#B0CEFF\”</span>”},{“html”:””}]]}’>53.05%
#</span><span about=\”#mwt465\”>DCDCDC</span>”}]]}’>IndependentTiffany Bond21,6556.84%– 21,655Eliminated
Write-in3930.12%– 393Eliminated
Total active votes316,382100%
311,278100%
Exhausted ballots–+ 5,1045,1041.61%
Total votes316,382100%
316,382100%
{{cite web |title=Rep. to Congress – District 2 |url=https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/results/2024/Nov24%20RCV%20CG2%20Summary%20Report%2020241115.pdf |website=maine.gov |access-date=January 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114102637/https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/results/2024/Nov24%20RCV%20CG2%20Summary%20Report%2020241115.pdf |archive-date=January 14, 2025 |date=November 15, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>”}},”i”:0}},{“template”:{“target”:{“wt”:”Election box winning candidate with party link no change”,”href”:”./Template:Election_box_winning_candidate_with_party_link_no_change”},”params”:{“party”:{“wt”:”Democratic Party (United States)”},”candidate”:{“wt”:”Jared Golden (incumbent)”},”votes”:{“wt”:”197,151″},”percentage”:{“wt”:”50.35″}},”i”:1}},”\n”,{“template”:{“target”:{“wt”:”Election box candidate with party link no change”,”href”:”./Template:Election_box_candidate_with_party_link_no_change”},”params”:{“party”:{“wt”:”Republican Party (United States)”},”candidate”:{“wt”:”[[Austin Theriault]]”},”votes”:{“wt”:”194445″},”percentage”:{“wt”:”49.65″}},”i”:2}},{“template”:{“target”:{“wt”:”Election box total no change”,”href”:”./Template:Election_box_total_no_change”},”params”:{“votes”:{“wt”:”391,596″},”percentage”:{“wt”:”100.00″}},”i”:3}},{“template”:{“target”:{“wt”:”Election box end”,”href”:”./Template:Election_box_end”},”params”:{},”i”:4}}]}’>

Maine’s 2nd congressional district, 2024[121]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticJared Golden (incumbent) 197,151 50.35
RepublicanAustin Theriault194,44549.65
Total votes391,596 100.00

References

  1. ↑ Lessig, Lawrence (November 16, 2018). “Ranked-choice voting worked in Maine. Now we should use it in presidential races”. USA Today. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
  2. ↑ Bradner, Eric (November 15, 2018). “Democrats flip another House seat after ranked-choice runoff in Maine | CNN Politics”. CNN. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  3. ↑ Fortinsky, Sarah (November 5, 2025). “Rep. Jared Golden won’t seek reelection”. The Hill. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Collins, Steve (September 9, 2018). “Jared Golden: From combat to candidate for Congress”. Sun Journal. Archived from the original on September 9, 2018. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Thistle, Scott (August 24, 2017). “Jared Golden, a leading Democrat in Maine House, announces run for U.S. Congress”. Portland Press Herald. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
  6. 1 2 3 4 “Rep. Jared Golden – D Maine, 2nd, In Office – Biography”. LegiStorm.
  7. ↑ Shepherd, Michael (August 24, 2017). “Poliquin may have to beat a Marine veteran to keep his seat”. Bangor Daily News. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
  8. ↑ “Congressman Golden votes against Pelosi for speaker”. WABI-TV. January 3, 2019.
  9. 1 2 Rollins, Sam (October 12, 2018). “Jared Golden: His golden opportunity”. The Maine Monitor.
  10. ↑ “About”. U.S. House of Representatives.
  11. ↑ “GOLDEN, Jared”. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
  12. ↑ “Rep. Jared Golden – D Maine, 2nd, In Office – Biography”. LegiStorm.
  13. ↑ “Jared Golden calls himself a veteran who still wants to serve”. Sun Journal. August 23, 2017. Archived from the original on September 25, 2018.
  14. ↑ Ackley, Kate (July 30, 2025). “Jared Golden’s first job on the Hill? Working for Susan Collins”. Roll Call.
  15. ↑ “GOLDEN, Jared”. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  16. ↑ “Rep. Jared Golden – D Maine, 2nd, In Office – Biography”. LegiStorm.
  17. ↑ “GOLDEN, Jared”. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
  18. ↑ “Jared Golden – Ballotpedia”. Ballotpedia. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  19. ↑ “Rep. Jared Golden – D Maine, 2nd, In Office – Biography”. LegiStorm.
  20. ↑ “Jared Golden, a leading Democrat in Maine House, to announce run for U.S. Congress”. Portland Press Herald. August 24, 2017.
  21. ↑ “Member Profile – Historical View”. The Maine House of Representatives. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  22. ↑ Collins, Steve (June 20, 2018). “Democrat Jared Golden declared winner of congressional primary”. Sun Journal. Archived from the original on July 1, 2018. Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  23. ↑ “Jared Golden declared winner of first ranked-choice congressional election, but challenge looms”. Portland Press Herald. November 15, 2018. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  24. ↑ “Jared Golden declared winner of first ranked-choice congressional election, but challenge looms”. Portland Press Herald. November 15, 2018. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  25. ↑ “Jared Golden declared winner of first ranked-choice congressional election, but challenge looms”. Portland Press Herald. November 15, 2018. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  26. ↑ Taylor, Kate; Stack, Liam (November 15, 2018). “Maine’s Bruce Poliquin, Lone Republican in House From New England, Loses Re-election”. The New York Times.
  27. ↑ Collins, Steve (December 13, 2018). “Federal court rules against Bruce Poliquin’s challenge of ranked-choice voting”. Sun Journal. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
  28. ↑ Mistler, Steve. “Poliquin’s Request To Block Certification Of 2nd District Election”. Maine Public. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
  29. ↑ Murphy, Edward (December 24, 2018). “Poliquin drops challenge to ranked-choice voting, clearing way for Golden to take seat in Congress”. Portland Press Herald. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
  30. ↑ “Maine’s Second District – Crafts vs. Golden”. RealClearPolitics. November 3, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  31. ↑ “2020 House race ratings”. Sabato’s Crystal Ball. November 2, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  32. ↑ “2020 House race ratings”. The Cook Political Report. November 2, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  33. ↑ “Golden is clearly favored to win Maine’s 2nd District”. FiveThirtyEight. November 3, 2020. Archived from the original on October 25, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  34. ↑ “Maine Election Results: Second Congressional District”. The New York Times. February 11, 2021.
  35. ↑ “Trump holds electoral vote in northern Maine”. Politico. January 6, 2021.
  36. ↑ “Maine Second Congressional District Primary Election Results”. The New York Times. June 15, 2022. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  37. ↑ “Maine police group’s endorsement of Golden could undercut key GOP attack”. Maine Public. July 25, 2022. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  38. ↑ St Pierre, Ariana (October 21, 2022). “New poll gives insight into key political races in Maine”. WPFO. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  39. ↑ “DDHQ 2022 Election Forecast”. forecast.decisiondeskhq.com. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  40. ↑ Collins, Steve (November 17, 2022). “Completed count shows Rep. Jared Golden won big in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District”. Press Herald. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  41. ↑ Wu, Nicholas (November 15, 2024). “Democrat Jared Golden wins reelection in tight Maine House race”. Politico. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  42. ↑ Cullen, Margie. “Trump-backed Maine candidate wins right to challenge Rep. Jared Golden for U.S. House”. Pourtsmouth Herald. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  43. ↑ “Maine Election Results”. Bloomberg. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  44. ↑ “Maine’s new Rep. Golden votes against Pelosi for House speaker”. Portland Press Herald. Associated Press. January 3, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  45. ↑ Foran, Clare; Byrd, Haley (December 18, 2019). “Democrat to split his vote on impeachment articles”. CNN. Retrieved December 19, 2019.
  46. ↑ Cadelago, Christopher; Mutnick, Ally (February 6, 2020). “Michael Bennet’s first House endorsement is from Trump Country”. Politico. Archived from the original on February 6, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2020.
  47. ↑ “Congressional Districts – 113th Congress Demographics – Urban Rural Patterns”. proximityone.com. Archived from the original on April 20, 2013. Retrieved September 12, 2015.
  48. ↑ Otte, Blake (November 4, 2020). “Trump holds electoral vote in northern Maine”. Politico. President Donald Trump won Maine’s 2nd Congressional District in 2020, securing an electoral vote for the second time. Trump easily won the district…
  49. ↑ Goldmacher, Shane (November 5, 2025). “Key House Democrat in Swing District Won’t Run”. The New York Times. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
  50. ↑ “List of Standing Committees and Select Committees of the House of Representatives” (PDF). Clerk of the United States House of Representatives. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
  51. ↑ “Members”. Blue Dog Coalition. Archived from the original on June 30, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2018.
  52. ↑ “About the CEC”. CEC. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  53. ↑ “For Country Caucus Announces Chairs, Members for 117th Congress”. Representative Jared Golden. February 25, 2021. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
  54. ↑ “Dwindling Blue Dog Democrats look to stage a comeback for moderates”. The Washington Post. August 8, 2023.
  55. 1 2 3 Solender, Andrew (April 8, 2025). “Democrat Jared Golden’s only tariff fear: That Trump will back down”. Axios. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  56. ↑ Pendharkar, Eesha; Davis, Emma; McCauley, Lauren (July 11, 2024). “Rep. Golden accused of minimizing threats posed by second Trump presidency”. Maine Morning Star. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  57. ↑ Pendharkar, Eesha; Davis, Emma; McCauley, Lauren (July 11, 2024). “Rep. Golden accused of minimizing threats posed by second Trump presidency”. Maine Morning Star. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
  58. ↑ Schnell, Mychael (March 11, 2025). “Lone Democrat to back House GOP spending bill explains decision”. The Hill. Archived from the original on March 13, 2025. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
  59. ↑ “NARAL Pro-Choice America Celebrates Rep. Jared Golden’s Victory in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District”. Reproductive Freedom for All. November 4, 2020.
  60. ↑ “Rep. Jared Golden | National Pro-Life Scorecard”.
  61. ↑ “Seven Democrats join Republicans in vote to lift vaccine mandate for healthcare workers”. January 31, 2023.
  62. ↑ “On Passage – H.R.497: To eliminate the COVID-19 vaccine mandate on”. August 12, 2015.
  63. ↑ “House passes resolution to end COVID-19 national emergency”. February 2023.
  64. ↑ “On Passage – H.J.RES.7: Relating to a national emergency declared by”. August 12, 2015.
  65. ↑ “George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 — Mar 3, 2021”. Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives. March 3, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  66. ↑ Mistler, Steve (March 4, 2021). “Golden defends vote against police overhaul bill, citing qualified immunity concerns”. Maine Public.
  67. ↑ “Maine Rep. Jared Golden votes against House police reform bill”. News Center Maine. March 4, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  68. ↑ Solender, Andrew (June 12, 2025). “Scoop: Democratic Rep. Jared Golden breaks with party on McIver and Padilla incidents”. Axios. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  69. ↑ Binkley, Collin (May 24, 2023). “House GOP passes resolution overturning student loan cancellation; Biden vows veto”. Associated Press. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  70. ↑ Marino, Michael (May 25, 2023). “Why Jared Golden voted to block Biden’s student loan relief”. Bangor Daily News.
  71. ↑ Stratford, Michael (February 7, 2024). “House passes resolution targeting Biden’s newest student debt relief plan”. Politico.
  72. ↑ “Golden statement on vote to enforce fiscal responsibility in higher education”. Office of Congressman Jared Golden. February 7, 2024.
  73. 1 2 3 “Golden votes to aid allies against common enemies and secure America’s border”. Office of Congressman Jared Golden. April 20, 2024.
  74. 1 2 3 “Golden votes to re-up military aid for Ukraine, sanctions for Russia”. Office of Congressman Jared Golden. June 4, 2026. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  75. ↑ Robertson, Nick (February 25, 2024). “Moderates pitch ‘pared down’ bipartisan spending deal for Ukraine, border security”. The Hill.
  76. ↑ O’Brien, Connor (February 17, 2023). “Democrats, Republicans join up to urge Biden to send F-16s to Ukraine”. Politico. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  77. ↑ “Golden Statement on Rally in Portland”. Office of Congressman Jared Golden. October 12, 2023.
  78. ↑ Mistler, Steve (May 13, 2024). “Rep. Golden critical of Biden decision to withhold military assistance to Israel”. Maine Public.
  79. ↑ “Golden statement on Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal”. Office of Congressman Jared Golden. January 15, 2025.
  80. ↑ Popp, Evan (January 4, 2024). “Portland City Council unanimously backs resolution calling for ceasefire in Gaza”. Maine Morning Star.
  81. ↑ “Activists arrested at Rep. Golden’s Bangor office amid increased calls for ceasefire in Gaza”. Maine Morning Star. November 9, 2023.
  82. ↑ Associated Press (March 6, 2026). “House narrowly rejects Iran war powers resolution”. Spectrum News Maine.
  83. ↑ “Jared Golden votes with GOP to defeat Iran war resolution”. Portland Press Herald. April 16, 2026.
  84. ↑ “Golden votes to protect U.S. negotiating position in Iran”. Office of Congressman Jared Golden. April 16, 2026.
  85. ↑ Miller, Kevin (May 14, 2026). “Rep. Golden signals support for Iran war powers resolution”. Maine Public. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  86. ↑ “In line with War Powers Act, Golden votes to constrain military action in Iran”. Office of Congressman Jared Golden. June 3, 2026.
  87. ↑ Asiedu, Kwasi Gyamfi (June 4, 2026). “US House delivers rebuke to Trump as it votes to halt Iran war”. BBC News.
  88. ↑ Conradis, Brandon (March 11, 2021). “The eight Republicans who voted to tighten background checks on guns”. The Hill. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  89. ↑ Kapur, Sahil; Tsirkin, Julie (June 8, 2022). “House passes slate of bills to restrict access to guns and ammunition; it faces long odds in Senate”. NBC News. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  90. ↑ Lee, Ella (July 30, 2022). “Who are the 7 House members who broke with their party in voting on assault weapons ban?”. USA Today. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  91. ↑ Robertson, Nick (October 26, 2023). “Maine Democrat calls for assault weapons ban after past opposition”. The Hill. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  92. ↑ O’Brien, Edward (October 26, 2023). “Rep. Jared Golden reverses stance on assault weapons after Lewiston mass shooting”. Portland Press Herald.
  93. ↑ Kesling, Ben (November 10, 2023). “Maine Lawmaker Looked at His AR-15 Differently After Lewiston Massacre”. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  94. ↑ Siegel, Benjamin (March 18, 2021). “House passes pathway to citizenship for ‘Dreamers’“. ABC News.
  95. ↑ “Golden, Jackson Call Out Federal Inaction in Response to Canadian Abuse of Logging Visas”. Office of Congressman Jared Golden. March 18, 2021.
  96. ↑ Rashid, Hafiz (January 22, 2025). “The 46 Democrats Who Voted for Republicans’ Racist Immigration Bill”. The New Republic. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
  97. ↑ Brooks, Emily (January 22, 2025). “These Democrats helped hand Trump an early immigration win”. The Hill.
  98. ↑ Brams, Sophie. “The Hill”. The Hill.
  99. ↑ “Golden Votes to Pass H.R. 6, Protect Dreamers”. Office of Representative Jared Golden. March 18, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
  100. ↑ Siegel, Benjamin (March 18, 2021). “House passes pathway to citizenship for ‘Dreamers’“. ABC News.
  101. ↑ Choi, Joseph (November 19, 2021). “Jared Golden sole Democrat to vote against Build Back Better Act”. The Hill.
  102. ↑ “Roll Call 420, Bill Number: H. R. 5376, 117th Congress, 2nd Session”. Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. August 12, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  103. ↑ “Golden votes to lower prescription drug costs, protect Maine families”. Office of Congressman Jared Golden. August 12, 2022.
  104. ↑ Dormido, Hannah; Blanco, Adrian; Perry, Kati (December 8, 2022). “Here’s which House members voted for or against the Respect for Marriage Act”. The Washington Post. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  105. ↑ Richards, Zoë; Kaplan, Rebecca; Shabad, Rebecca (July 14, 2023). “House passes defense bill after GOP adopts abortion and transgender surgery amendments”. NBC News. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  106. ↑ “Jared Golden (D – ME)”. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  107. ↑ “United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act — Dec 19, 2019”. Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives. December 19, 2019. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  108. ↑ “Jared Golden and Chellie Pingree will vote against revised NAFTA trade pact”. WGME. December 19, 2019. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  109. ↑ Beitsch, Rebecca (April 10, 2025). “House Republicans pass bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote”. The Hill. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  110. ↑ “Rep. Golden and his wife, Isobel, welcome baby girl”. Yahoo News. May 15, 2021.
  111. ↑ “Jared Golden and his wife Izzy are expecting a second child”. WCSH. September 26, 2023.
  112. ↑ Collins, Steve (August 23, 2017). “Lewiston’s Jared Golden takes aim at congressional seat”. Sun Journal. Archived from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved June 12, 2018.
  113. ↑ “Moiles — Golden”. Sun Journal. October 19, 2014.
  114. ↑ “Jared Golden welcomes daughter”. Bangor Daily News. Associated Press. May 16, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
  115. ↑ “Super PAC Blasts Democratic Candidate’s Marine Tattoos”. Newsweek. August 28, 2018.
  116. ↑ Clawson, Laura (August 27, 2018). “Republican super PAC attacks combat veteran for having tattoos”. Daily Kos. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  117. ↑ “Tabulations for Elections held in 2018”. www.maine.gov. Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions, Elections and Voting, Tabulations. June 12, 2018. Retrieved February 6, 2020.
  118. ↑ “Results Certified to the Governor 11/26/18”. www.maine.gov. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
  119. ↑ “November 3, 2020 General Election”. Maine Department of Secretary of State. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  120. ↑ MaineSOS [@MESecOfState] (November 16, 2022). “Full Summary report here” (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  121. ↑ “Rep. to Congress – District 2” (PDF). maine.gov. November 15, 2024. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 14, 2025. Retrieved January 26, 2025.


Maine’s 2nd congressional district
2019–present