Jared Golden

Maine's U.S. Senate race between Sen. Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson is rated among the closest in the country, raising the possibility that neither candidate wins a first-choice majority on election night. If so, the state would conduct its first-ever statewide ranked-choice count in a general election, a process that has taken up to a week to complete in past elections. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows says her office is trying to speed up tabulation but is not promising quick results. Past ranked-choice counts in Maine have drawn legal challenges, and officials expect similar litigation here, echoing a recent Trump-backed effort to block certification in Alaska's ranked-choice Senate race.

Republican Paul LePage, the former two-term Maine governor known as "Trump before Trump," was expected to easily flip the open 2nd District seat after Democratic Representative Jared Golden's retirement. Instead, rising fuel and living costs tied to tariffs and the Iran conflict have narrowed the race against Democratic State Auditor Matt Dunlap, who won a contested primary after Golden initially withdrew. Polls show a close contest in a district Trump carried by nine points in 2024, prompting heavy outside spending and visits from Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance. LePage, 78, has softened his combative style and touted his access to Trump, while Dunlap emphasizes cost-of-living concerns and LePage's past Medicaid expansion vetoes. The race is seen as the GOP's best chance to flip a Democratic-held seat this cycle.

Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), a retiring moderate who has often broken with his party, endorsed Republican Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) in a Monday op-ed published in The Journal News. Lawler is facing a competitive reelection race against Democrat Cait Conley in a swing district considered pivotal to Democrats' chances of retaking the House majority in November.

Golden praised Lawler for backing legislation that benefits Maine's lobster industry by delaying certain environmental regulations, despite the bill offering Lawler no political upside with his own constituents. Golden framed the endorsement as a statement about the value of bipartisanship, urging voters everywhere to support lawmakers willing to work across party lines. The cross-party endorsement is notable given the high stakes of the House battle, where control could hinge on a handful of competitive districts like Lawler's.

Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, whose district covers the state's entire northern border with Canada, is siding with President Trump in an escalating tariff dispute with Ottawa. Golden told the Portland Press Herald that if Canada believes it is "better off without our goods," he wishes them luck, predicting the standoff "won't go well" for Canada in the long run. Golden, first elected in 2018, is not seeking reelection in 2026, citing threats against his family.

The dispute has intensified after trade talks between Washington and Ottawa broke down. Trump has threatened 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, accusing Canada of "ripping off" the U.S. for decades and imposing tariffs exceeding 400% on American farmers. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has vowed matching retaliatory measures. Golden's stance breaks from most Democrats who oppose Trump's tariff approach, but fits his record of independence from party lines, reflecting the economic and personal ties his border constituents share with Canada.

Retiring Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), whose district borders Canada, broke with most Democrats to back President Trump's escalating trade fight with Canada, saying Canada "won't" fare well if it thinks it can do without US goods. Golden had previously supported Trump's tariffs on Canada earlier this year.

The dispute intensified after Trump imposed a 50% tariff on roughly $20 billion in Canadian goods, including beer, cheese, and electronics, following the collapse of bilateral trade talks. Canada responded with plans to match the tariffs dollar for dollar starting September 8, targeting hundreds of American product categories with duties ranging from 15% to 50%. The Trump administration has threatened further retaliation if Canada's countermeasures proceed.

Most of Maine's congressional delegation, including Sen. Susan Collins, has criticized the trade fight, warning of harm to the state's lobster industry. Trump has called Canada the most difficult trading partner he has dealt with and recently signed an order renaming Lake Ontario "Lake America." Canada remains the top US trading partner, though trade is proportionally more vital to its economy than to America's.

Many Republicans facing tough November races are avoiding next week's GOP midterm convention in Dallas, the first held by a major party in over four decades. A POLITICO survey found roughly 45 of more than 70 GOP candidates and members contacted are skipping or undecided, citing scheduling conflicts, high attendance fees, and reluctance to appear alongside President Donald Trump, who is set to headline with Vice President JD Vance. Top leaders including Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune plan to attend, along with 2028 hopefuls like Sen. Ted Cruz.

Separately, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is weighing disciplinary action against Reps. Jared Golden and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez after the two Democrats helped Republicans pass a procedural rule, prompting a referral to the caucus's rules panel. Other pending items include a bipartisan bill policing lawmaker misconduct, a possible September floor vote on Russia sanctions legislation, and an unresolved GOP split over regulating data centers ahead of the midterms.

Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) reaffirmed his support for President Trump's tariff standoff with Canada, warning that retaliation "won't go well" for the country. The comments follow the Trump administration's imposition of a 50 percent tariff on $20 billion in Canadian imports after trade talks broke down, with Trump also threatening 50 percent tariffs on vehicles and auto parts starting January 1. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Canada's demands were "too much." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded with matching retaliatory tariffs effective September 8, targeting Maine exports including pulp, paper, and lobster.

Golden, who is not seeking reelection, was the only House Democrat to vote against repealing Trump's Canada tariffs. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) called the tariffs "a mistake," while Democratic state Auditor Matt Dunlap used the dispute to attack Republican gubernatorial rival Paul LePage. Strategists warn the trade war could complicate Republican affordability messaging ahead of the midterms.