U.S. Rep. Jared Golden will use more than $1 million left in his campaign coffers to support fellow Democrats in 2026 after the congressman said this month he will not seek a fifth term representing Maine’s 2nd District.
The stunning move from Golden, 43, to not seek reelection next year upended the 2nd District race by making national Democrats seek a new recruit over the current primary slate and increasing former Gov. Paul LePage’s chances of retaking the seat for Republicans.
It also left open the question of how Golden will spend his remaining campaign funds, something that past candidates from both parties have navigated. Former Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon, the 2020 Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, famously had $15 million left after losing to Sen. Susan Collins. She has since given almost all of it away.
Golden’s campaign had almost $1.7 million on hand for the last reporting period that ended Sept. 30, according to federal campaign finance data. Spokesperson Mario Moretto said Tuesday that Golden “is not looking to sit on a war chest” after his time in elected office is done.
“The campaign will cover its outstanding expenses and pay its bills, and whatever is left will be used to support Democrats in 2026,” Moretto said.
Moretto did not respond to a follow-up question on whether Golden has identified any specific Democratic candidates or causes to support next year. The plan to boost Democrats is notable given Golden became commonly known as a member who bucks his party by voting with Republicans on issues such as voting laws, spending bills and gun rights.
In his Bangor Daily News op-ed that revealed his decision to not seek reelection, Golden cited “increasing incivility” and threats against him and his family that includes his wife and two young daughters. He also expressed confidence at his odds of winning reelection if he ran again but lamented the odds of getting more work done in “this increasingly unproductive Congress.”
Golden also bashed Republicans for allowing the “MAGA movement” to take over the party led by President Donald Trump and bashed Democrats for “allowing the most extreme, pugilistic elements of our party to call the shots.”
LePage is awaiting the winner of a Democratic primary that currently includes State Auditor Matt Dunlap of Old Town and former U.S. Senate candidate Jordan Wood, who lives in the 1st District town of Bristol but has cited plans to move to the Lewiston area.
Though Golden has not specified which Democrats he will support in 2026, he will almost certainly look to boost those who fit the mold of the Blue Dog Coalition that Golden has led and that is made up of centrist Democratic lawmakers.
