Rep. Jared Golden announces re-election bid in Maine’s 2nd District, pledging to stop GOP challenger Paul LePage.

Golden Aims to Defend Key Swing Seat in 2026 Midterms

Democratic Representative Jared Golden of Maine has declared his candidacy for re-election in the state’s 2nd Congressional District, rejecting speculation about a potential run for governor or Senate. In a social media post on Tuesday, Golden said his decision stems from a desire to restore balance in Congress and defend working-class interests against political extremism.

“I have decided the best way to continue serving the people of Maine is to do my part to restore balance in Congress by helping to win back the House of Representatives,” Golden wrote. “My focus will remain on checking the extremes and putting working-class families first.”

Golden, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, is known as a moderate Democrat who often breaks with party lines. He first won the seat in 2018 and has since held on in one of the most competitive congressional districts in the country.

Maine’s 2nd District is geographically the largest east of the Mississippi River and the second-most rural in the U.S. It also leans Republican at the presidential level, with President Donald Trump winning the district in 2016, 2020, and 2024 by sizable margins.

Paul LePage Emerges as GOP Challenger

Golden’s announcement sets the stage for a closely watched contest against Republican Paul LePage, a former two-term governor of Maine and a staunch Trump ally. LePage confirmed his congressional bid earlier this month and has pledged to support Trump’s economic agenda, including tackling the national debt.

“Donald Trump, I think, is doing what is necessary in addressing the debt this country is facing,” LePage said in a recent interview from Lewiston, his hometown. “I have a friend in the White House right now. I know President Trump. I think I can have an audience with him. It’s a good time for me to go help.”

LePage, known for his blunt political style and blue-collar appeal, was one of the earliest Republican officials to endorse Trump during his first presidential campaign nearly a decade ago.

In response, Golden was unequivocal: “I am going to do what it takes to make sure no one like Paul LePage blusters his way into Congress.”

The contest is expected to be one of the most hotly contested races in the 2026 midterms, as Republicans work to defend their narrow majority in the House. Golden’s district remains a top target for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

“We look forward to making out-of-touch Democrat Jared Golden wish he ran for governor,” said NRCC spokesperson Maureen O'Toole.

Top House Democrats, however, expressed strong support for Golden. In a joint statement, Democratic leaders praised his bipartisan approach and commitment to constituents.

“Jared’s dedication to representing all of his constituents — no matter their party affiliation — makes him uniquely suited to once again win one of the toughest seats in the country for Democrats to hold,” stated House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, Chairman Pete Aguilar, and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene.

As the 2026 election cycle ramps up, both parties are expected to pour significant resources into the Maine race, which could play a pivotal role in determining control of the House.