Democratic congressman announces retirement, citing political violence and polarisation in US

November 6, 2025

Democratic Representative Jared Golden of Maine has announced he will not seek re-election to his battleground congressional seat, citing concerns about political violence, extreme polarization, and incivility in American politics. The 43-year-old moderate congressman, who has served since 2018 as a Marine veteran and former state legislator, expressed particular worry about his family's safety rather than fear of losing the race. His departure from a district that Trump won by nine points in 2024 creates a significant opportunity for Republicans to flip the seat in the 2026 midterm elections.

Who is affected

Jared Golden and his family
Democratic Party leadership and their prospects for maintaining House seats
Voters in Maine's 2nd Congressional District (ME-02)
Golden's left-wing Democratic primary challenger
Former Republican Governor Paul LePage (running for the seat)
Republican Party seeking to flip the seat
The National Republican Congressional Committee

What action is being taken

Voters in California approved new redistricting maps giving Democrats an advantage in five districts
Both conservative and Democratic-led states are changing voting lines through redistricting efforts
Paul LePage is running for Golden's seat
Republicans are celebrating Golden's announcement

Why it matters

This retirement matters because it removes a Democratic incumbent from a highly competitive battleground district that Trump won decisively, significantly improving Republican chances of flipping the seat in 2026 and potentially affecting control of the House of Representatives. Golden's departure also highlights the broader issue of political violence and extreme polarization driving experienced legislators out of office, potentially weakening institutional knowledge and moderate voices in Congress. The announcement underscores how safety concerns for elected officials and their families have become a serious factor influencing political careers in the current climate.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC