Overview
- Golden said he does not fear losing but now dreads winning, arguing that time with his family outweighs serving in what he called an increasingly unproductive Congress.
- The three-term lawmaker represents northern Maine, one of the few Democratic-held districts that supported President Trump at the top of the ticket in 2024.
- His departure instantly elevates the contest to a top target for the House GOP’s campaign arm in the 2026 midterms.
- Golden cultivated a moderate profile and at times broke with his party, including being the lone House Democrat to back a GOP stopgap to avert a September shutdown.
- The open-seat race could complicate Democrats’ efforts to secure a House majority next year.