Jared Golden endorses Republican Mike Lawler for reelection

Retiring Democratic Representative Jared Golden of Maine has endorsed Republican Representative Mike Lawler for reelection in New York’s 17th Congressional District. In an op-ed published in The Journal News, Golden described Lawler as a “true partner” and a model for bipartisan cooperation, citing their joint work on the Northeast Lobstermen Protection Act and federal worker rights.

The endorsement has caused significant friction within the House Democratic Caucus. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the move, labeling Lawler a “partisan hack” and a “Trump sycophant.” Critics within the party argue that supporting a Republican in a high-stakes battleground district undermines Democratic efforts to retake the House.

Lawler, who has aligned himself closely with Donald Trump, welcomed the endorsement, stating that their relationship is built on putting people before party. The race in New York is considered a toss-up, as Lawler defends a district that Kamala Harris carried in 2024.