Rep. Jared Golden, a moderate Democrat who has represented Maine’s sprawling, rural 2nd Congressional District since 2018, announced Wednesday that he will not seek reelection next year.

In an opinion piece published by the Bangor Daily News, Golden lamented the “increasing incivility and plain nastiness that are now common from some elements of our American community,” and said he worried about political violence and threats against his family.

“I know that if I were to continue my campaign, I would prevail,” the former Marine wrote. “My record of winning the most challenging district held by any Democrat — of outperforming the top and bottom of the ticket four times — speaks for itself.”

“I don’t fear losing. What has become apparent to me is that I now dread the prospect of winning. Simply put, what I could accomplish in this increasingly unproductive Congress pales in comparison to what I could do in that time as a husband, a father and a son.”

A spokesperson for Golden did not respond to a phone message seeking an interview.

Golden’s unexpected decision could have national implications as Democrats try to take back control of the House and slow down the Trump administration. With the incumbent no longer in the picture, former two-term Republican Gov. Paul LePage likely becomes the front-runner in a district that has become increasingly conservative in recent years. Although Golden has won reelection several times, that district has voted for Republican Donald Trump in the last three presidential elections.

State auditor and former secretary of state Matthew Dunlap, who entered the race last month to challenge Golden in the Democratic primary, now becomes the party’s de facto nominee, although there is still time for other candidates to enter the race.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The 2026 race was already expected to be one of the toughest battlegrounds in the country.

Golden’s approach and willingness to work with Republicans has drawn criticism from Democrats and also prompted Dunlap to challenge him for his party’s nomination, the only time that’s happened since Golden’s first election.

“I want to thank Jared Golden for his military service and years in public office. We may have disagreed on issues, but I believe he is a good person, husband and father,” Dunlap said in a written statement. “In the days and months ahead I intend to vigorously campaign for Congress in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District — and I intend to win.”

LePage is currently running uncontested for the Republican nomination. He could not be immediately reached for comment, but his adviser, Brent Littlefield, noted that the departure came after polls, including one last month from the University of New Hampshire, showed LePage with a lead.

Mark Brewer, chair of political science at the University of Maine, said Golden’s sudden departure could prompt other Democrats, including some who are running for governor, to jump in the race. He also said it could help LePage.

“I think there’s a lot of things that could come out of this,” Brewer said. “I think the one thing that’s certain to come out of this is it just further increases the amount of attention and resources that both parties and other national groups are going to throw at the 2nd CD contest.”

National Republicans cheered Golden’s decision and were all too happy to kick him on the way out.

“Serial flip-flopper Jared Golden’s exit from Congress says it all: He’s turned his back on Mainers for years and now his chickens are coming home to roost,” Maureen O’Toole, spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said in a written statement, adding that “Republicans will flip this seat red in 2026.”

Republicans were bullish on unseating Golden in 2024. His Republican challenger, state Rep. Austin Theriault, a former NASCAR driver from Aroostook County, received the backing of both Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson.

But Golden, who previously worked as a staffer for Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, prevailed in a close election and became an example of how moderate, centrist Democrats can win House seats in regions aligned with Trump.

“I have known Jared for many years and have worked well with him,” Collins said in a written statement. “I appreciate the commitment to public service that he has shown to Maine and America, and I wish him and his family well.”

Rep. Chellie Pingree, the Democrat who represents Maine’s 1st Congressional District, expressed her gratitude to Golden, “my colleague, fellow Mainer and friend,” for his years of service.

“I’ve always had the utmost respect for Jared’s commitment, his work ethic, and his dedication to the people of Maine,” Pingree said in an emailed statement. “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.”

GOLDEN CRITICAL OF HIS PARTY

When Dunlap announced his primary challenge, the Democratic Congressional Committee quickly threw its support behind Golden, who they said has “proven he is uniquely suited to win tough races.”

DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene on Wednesday made it clear that national Democrats are not throwing in the towel.

“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,” DelBene said. “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.”

State Sen. Rick Bennett, who unenrolled from the Republican party and is running for governor as an independent, because of growing partisanship, commended Golden for being willing to resist partisan pressure and work across the aisle.

“Congressman Jared Golden’s decision not to seek reelection is a sad reflection of what our politics has become,” Bennett, of Oxford, said. “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.”

Golden pointed to the assassination attempts against Trump, the firebombing of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home, murders of Democratic state lawmakers in Minnesota and the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

That sort of violence, Golden said, forced him to “reassess the frequent threats made against me and my family.” He’s also had to consider the impact of serving in Washington, D.C., as his children enter school.

“As a father, I have to consider whether the good I can achieve outweighs everything my family endures as a result,” Golden said.

Golden also criticized Democrats as “going down the same path” as Republicans, whose Tea Party movement morphed into an allegiance to Trump and his Make American Great Again movement.

“We’re allowing the most extreme, pugilistic elements of our party to call the shots,” he said.