Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat representing Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, announced on Nov. 5 that he will not seek re-election, citing growing political hostility and concern for his family’s safety.
“I am forever grateful for the honor of serving my constituents, but now is the time to step away,” he said in an explanatory letter he wrote for the Bangor Daily News.
Golden lamented “increasing incivility and plain nastiness” in politics and the rise in threats against public officials. He revealed that his family has endured multiple threats over the years.
“I don’t fear losing,” the 43-year-old father of two said. “What has become apparent is that I now dread the prospect of winning.”
Golden urged a new generation of leaders to enter the political arena and reiterated his support for term limits. “Politics can still be a positive force,” he said. “But it’s time for me to serve my family.”
An earlier version of this article misidentified Rep. Golden representative as Jewish.
