Maine Democrat Endorses Republican Rep. Lawler in Key House Race

Democratic Rep. Jared Golden has endorsed Republican Rep. Mike Lawler for re-election in New York's 17th Congressional District, a race that could influence the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

Golden, who is not seeking re-election in his Maine district, praised Lawler as a "true partner" in an op-ed published in The Journal News. He urged voters in New York's Hudson Valley to support Lawler, stating, "Mike Lawler has been a true partner to me and a friend to fishing families he will never represent. I strongly back him."

Golden, a Democrat who has represented Maine's Second District, highlighted Lawler's bipartisan work, particularly his assistance on the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act. This bill, which passed the House, delays new whale-protection regulations that could have impacted thousands of jobs in Golden's home state.

"Wherever you live, find the members who pass laws with the other party, and keep them," Golden wrote, emphasizing the importance of lawmakers who can work across the aisle. He noted that he represented a district that voted for President Biden in 2020, and Lawler holds a Republican seat in a district that voted for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Golden, 44, stated that representing districts like theirs "forces you to work for people who disagree with you, and it teaches you that those people are not your enemies. They are your neighbors."

Lawler, a Republican representing New York's 17th District, has also demonstrated a willingness to diverge from party lines. He previously clashed with former President Donald Trump to advocate for a larger increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap.

Polls suggest that Lawler is in a close race against his Democratic challenger, Cait Conley. The endorsement from a sitting Democratic congressman is a notable development in the closely watched contest.