Democrat in red seat announces retirement — citing fear over death threats to his family

A day after resounding victories in state and local elections around the country, Democrats received a bit of unfortunate news in Maine, where Rep. Jared Golden announced his decision not to seek re-election in the Bangor Daily News.

Golden, one of many Democrats first elected in the 2018 wave election of President Donald Trump's first term, holds one of the most Republican-leaning districts of any sitting Democratic lawmaker — and his departure will make holding the seat more difficult for his party.

In his announcement, Golden cited a general dissatisfaction with the current state of politics — but also, fear that he and his family are unsafe from violent actors in this current political climate.

"Recent incidents of political violence have made me reassess the frequent threats against me and my family. Last year we saw attempts against Donald Trump’s life, and more recently we witnessed the firebombing of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home, the assasination of Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota and the horrific murder of Charlie Kirk," wrote Golden. "These have made me reconsider the experiences of my own family, including all of us sitting in a hotel room on Thanksgiving last year after yet another threat against our home. There have been enough of those over the years to demand my attention."

"Up to now, my daughters have been insulated from the worst of it by their youth," wrote Golden. "But as my oldest daughter reaches school age, the threats, the intolerance and hate that often dominate political culture, and my long absences, will be more keenly felt. As a father, I have to consider whether the good I can achieve outweighs everything my family endures as a result."

Golden added that he is confident he could win re-election if he desired, but it's not losing that he fears anymore. "What has become apparent to me is that I now dread the prospect of winning. Simply put, what I could accomplish in this increasingly unproductive Congress pales in comparison to what I could do in that time as a husband, a father and a son."

"I still believe, perhaps more than ever, that politics can be a positive force," Golden concluded. "I am forever grateful for the trust bestowed on me by my fellow Mainers in the 2nd District to be their voice in Washington. To them I can only say: Thank you."