Who Is Running in Maine Congressional District 2nd in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Jared Golden
(Incumbent)Economy
HighRepresentative Jared Golden voted in favor of the Main Street Parity Act and the AI for Main Street Act on January 20, 2026. He also voted against the Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act on January 15, 2026. Golden co-introduced the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act to counteract actions against federal unions. He emphasized the need for his party to focus more on the economy and affordability, aligning with constituent interests through pragmatic approaches.
Immigration
HighRepresentative Jared Golden voted for a Fiscal Year 2026 funding package that included funding for ICE, citing the need to avoid a government shutdown and maintain public safety. He also supported the SAVE Act to uphold the exclusive voting rights of U.S. citizens. Golden emphasizes that federal law enforcement must prioritize public safety, respect due process, and not target immigrants with legal status, while also stating that people must not obstruct law enforcement activities.
Healthcare
HighCongressman Jared Golden voted for the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations, which included funding for the Department of Health and Human Services, to avoid a government shutdown. He also voted for H.R. 1834 to renew enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) Premium Tax Credits through 2028, aiming to lower healthcare costs and prevent premium spikes for Mainers. Additionally, he co-sponsored the Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act to assess and improve mental health services for veterans.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Jared Golden |
|---|---|
| Economy | Representative Jared Golden voted in favor of the Main Street Parity Act and the AI for Main Street Act on January 20, 2026. He also voted against the Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act on January 15, 2026. Golden co-introduced the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act to counteract actions against federal unions. He emphasized the need for his party to focus more on the economy and affordability, aligning with constituent interests through pragmatic approaches. High |
| Immigration | Representative Jared Golden voted for a Fiscal Year 2026 funding package that included funding for ICE, citing the need to avoid a government shutdown and maintain public safety. He also supported the SAVE Act to uphold the exclusive voting rights of U.S. citizens. Golden emphasizes that federal law enforcement must prioritize public safety, respect due process, and not target immigrants with legal status, while also stating that people must not obstruct law enforcement activities. High |
| Healthcare | Congressman Jared Golden voted for the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations, which included funding for the Department of Health and Human Services, to avoid a government shutdown. He also voted for H.R. 1834 to renew enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) Premium Tax Credits through 2028, aiming to lower healthcare costs and prevent premium spikes for Mainers. Additionally, he co-sponsored the Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act to assess and improve mental health services for veterans. High |
| Climate & Energy | Jared Golden has identified climate change as a significant environmental and national security challenge, emphasizing its economic impact on Maine's industries. He voted to ban oil and gas drilling off Maine’s coast and introduced legislation for the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. He also co-sponsored the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act, which aims to overhaul the National Environmental Policy Act review process and include new litigation limits. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Jared Golden supports reproductive healthcare and has worked to codify abortion rights, believing the decision to start a family is a private matter between women and their doctors. He is an original cosponsor of the Women's Health Protection Act of 2025 and the Right to Contraception Act. He voted against H.R. 21 and in favor of prohibiting restrictions on out-of-state travel for abortions, stating that control over one's body is an essential part of freedom. High |
| Foreign Policy | Jared Golden voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), citing support for servicemembers, American shipbuilding, and national security. He noted the bill increases troop pay, funds new construction for barracks and family housing, and includes funding for DDG-51 destroyers built by Bath Iron Works. High |
| Education | Jared Golden voted to expand Pell Grants and co-sponsored the What You Can Do For Your Country Act, which aims to improve the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for public service professionals. He also voted for Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations that maintained federal funding levels for education programs. Golden seeks to make higher education and trade careers more affordable, believing all Maine kids deserve a high-quality education to prepare them for future jobs and strengthen local economies. High |
| Gun Policy | Jared Golden reversed his position after the Lewiston shootings, now calling for a ban on assault rifles and restricting their possession to reduce fatalities. He previously voted against an assault-style weapons ban in 2022 and enhanced background checks in 2021, but supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Golden also advocates for state-level permitting systems requiring additional security checks for assault-style weapons, seeking to balance individual rights with public security. High |
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