Rep. Jared Golden (Maine), a Democrat who has repeatedly broken with his party and who is not running for reelection, on Monday endorsed Republican Rep. Mike Lawler for reelection in his competitive New York race.
In an op-ed published Monday, Golden remarked on Lawler’s appetite for bipartisan compromise, arguing that his colleague across the aisle “has been a true partner to me” and “would rather pass a bill with the other party than score a point against it.” Golden particularly emphasized Lawler’s support for a bill of his this summer meant to protect Maine lobstermen.
Democrats have long targeted Lawler’s swing-district seat, which he won by about six points in 2024. He is running against Cait Conley, a Marine Corps veteran who spent nearly 20 years in government service, including working at the National Security Council and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The Cook Political Report currently rates the race as a toss-up.
In recent weeks, Golden has served as one of the key votes Republicans have needed to advance measures to the House floor, helping break gridlock created by Republicans’ most right-wing members.
In a statement, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee executive director Julie Merz did not specifically condemn Golden’s endorsement of Lawler but noted that Lawler often votes with his party and “is going to lose because Hudson Valley Voters want lower costs and are ready for a check on the out-of-control Trump Administration.”
Catch up quickly every weekday morning with a rundown of the 7 most important and interesting stories. Sign up for The 7 newsletter.
The post Democrat Jared Golden endorses Republican Mike Lawler in competitive House race appeared first on Washington Post.
