Overview
- Golden announced his decision in a Bangor Daily News op-ed, saying he does not fear losing but now dreads the prospect of winning given Congress’s gridlock.
- Inside Elections shifted the race rating from Tilt Democratic to Likely Republican after the announcement in the Trump-leaning district.
- National Republicans declared the seat a top flip opportunity, while the DCCC praised Golden’s service and vowed to invest to keep the district.
- State Auditor Matthew Dunlap remains in the Democratic field and former Gov. Paul LePage is running for Republicans, with both reaffirming their campaigns.
- Golden narrowly won reelection in 2024 under ranked-choice voting while Trump carried the district by about 9 points, underscoring the challenge for Democrats without an incumbent.