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

Outgoing Representative Jared Golden, a Democrat from Maine, is supporting his colleague, Republican Representative Mike Lawler from New York, for re-election. Golden expressed his backing in an opinion article before the 2026 midterm elections.

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. 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 emphasized the importance of sending lawmakers back who are willing to collaborate across party lines, mentioning Mike Lawler as one such lawmaker. Golden’s tenure in the House started in early 2019, but he had already announced he would not seek re-election in 2026.

Mike Lawler, serving since 2023, is running for re-election. He expressed gratitude for Golden’s endorsement, highlighting their bipartisan efforts during their time in Congress.

It’s an honor and a privilege to accept the endorsement of my friend, Democratic Congressman Jared Golden. 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. 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 candidate Cait Conley in the race to represent New York’s 17th Congressional District. Conley, a combat veteran, has held roles as the National Security Council director for counterterrorism and worked with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg showed support for Conley, participating in a rally in Tarrytown, New York, and expressed his pride in backing Conley.