Outgoing Democrat Jared Golden Endorses Republican Mike Lawler for Re-election

Outgoing Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine has endorsed Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York for re-election ahead of the upcoming midterm contests. Golden, who has served in the House of Representatives since 2019 and announced last year he would not run for reelection in 2026, backed Lawler in an opinion piece.

"The Congress we get is the one we elect, and the country needs fewer members who treat the job as a stage and more who treat it as work," Golden wrote. "In New York's Hudson Valley this fall, that is the choice on the ballot. Mike Lawler has been a true partner to me and a friend to fishing families he will never represent."

Golden urged voters to support candidates who can find common ground with the opposing party. "Wherever you live, find the members who pass laws with the other party, and keep them," he stated.

Lawler, who is seeking re-election to represent New York's 17th Congressional District, stated it was an honor to accept Golden's endorsement. "While we are from different parties and different states, Jared and I have worked during our time together in the House to find common ground on issues that matter both to us and our constituents," Lawler said. "We share a firm belief that what’s best for the people should come before one’s party, and that if more members on both sides of the aisle took that approach more often, the country would be better off for it."

Lawler faces Democratic challenger Cait Conley, a combat veteran who has served as the National Security Council director for counterterrorism and worked with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has publicly supported Conley in her bid against Lawler.