Who is Jared Golden? Jared Golden is a U.S. Representative for Maine's 2nd congressional district and a Marine Corps veteran. Born on July 25, 1982, in Lewiston, Maine, he grew up in Leeds. Golden's journey from a Marine serving in Iraq and Afghanistan to a history and politics graduate from Bates College is remarkable. Before politics, he worked for an international logistics firm and on Senator Susan Collins' staff. Elected to Congress in 2019, he represents one of the most rural districts in the U.S. Known for his moderate stance, Golden often votes independently, reflecting his district's unique needs.
Key Takeaways:
- Jared Golden's journey from a small town in Maine to the U.S. Congress showcases the impact of military service, community involvement, and a moderate political stance on his career.
- Golden's evolving stance on gun control, cross-partisan appeal, and legislative initiatives reflect his ability to navigate complex issues and build support from both Democratic and Republican voters.
Early Life and Education
Jared Golden's journey began in the small town of Leeds, Maine, where his early experiences shaped his future.
- Birth and Early Life: Born on July 25, 1982, in Lewiston, Maine, Jared Golden grew up in Leeds, a small town in Androscoggin County.
- Education: He attended Leavitt Area High School before enrolling at the University of Maine at Farmington. However, he left college after one year to join the United States Marine Corps in 2002.
Military Service
Golden's time in the Marine Corps played a significant role in his life, influencing his future career and values.
- Marine Corps Service: Golden served with the 3rd Battalion of the 6th Marines, completing two combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He rose to the rank of corporal and received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his leadership during Operation Steel Curtain.
- Return to Maine: After leaving the Marines in 2006, Golden returned to Maine and earned a degree in history and politics from Bates College.
Career Before Politics
Before diving into politics, Golden gained valuable experience in various fields.
- Career Before Politics: Golden worked for an international logistics firm and later joined the staff of Republican Senator Susan Collins on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Entry into Politics
Golden's political career began in the Maine Legislature, setting the stage for his future in Congress.
- Entry into Politics: Golden began his political career by serving in the Maine Legislature. His experience in public service laid the groundwork for his future congressional career.
Congressional Tenure
Golden has been serving as the U.S. Representative for Maine's 2nd congressional district since 2019.
- Congressional Tenure: Golden was sworn in as the U.S. Representative for Maine's 2nd congressional district on January 3, 2019. He represents one of the most rural districts in the United States, with 72% of its population living in rural areas.
- Committee Assignments: Golden serves on the Small Business Committee and the Armed Services Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is also a co-chair of the Blue Dogs Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats.
Voting Record and Political Stance
Golden's voting record often reflects his moderate stance, sometimes diverging from his party.
- Voting Record: Golden has a mixed voting record, often taking positions that diverge from his party. For example, he voted against Democratic Caucus nominee Nancy Pelosi for Speaker of the House in 2019, instead supporting Representative Cheri Bustos of Illinois.
- Impeachment Votes: During the impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump in 2019, Golden voted in favor of Article I but against Article II, making him one of three Democrats to do so.
- Presidential Endorsement: In the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries, Golden endorsed Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado.
- Party Loyalty: As of 2022, Golden had voted in line with Joe Biden's positions 85.7% of the time, which is the lowest rate among Democratic caucus members.
Stance on Gun Control
Golden's views on gun control have evolved over time, particularly after a tragic event in his hometown.
- Gun Control Stance: Golden has been a vocal opponent of stricter gun control measures. He was the only Democrat to oppose the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, which aimed to expand background checks for gun purchases. He also voted against the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021 and a bill to raise the minimum age for purchasing semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21.
- Shift in Gun Control Stance: However, after the 2023 Lewiston shootings in his hometown, where 18 people were killed, Golden changed his stance on gun control. He apologized and called for a federal ban on assault weapons, stating that any law-abiding citizen should have fairly easy access to firearms but questioning the practicality of carrying an AR-15 in everyday life.
Immigration and Infrastructure
Golden's positions on immigration and infrastructure reflect his moderate approach.
- Immigration Policy: Golden voted against the 2024 Equal Representation Act, which proposed excluding noncitizens ineligible to vote from the population count used to determine the number of U.S. representatives for each state.
- Infrastructure Voting Record: Golden was the only House Democrat to vote with Republicans against the Build Back Better Act in 2021. However, he later joined Democrats in voting for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, an amended version of the original bill.
Personal Life and Community Involvement
Golden's personal life and community involvement highlight his deep connection to his roots.
- Personal Life: Golden currently lives in Lewiston with his wife, Isobel, and their two daughters. He grew up working in his family’s multi-generational small business in Androscoggin County.
- Community Involvement: Golden has been actively involved in his community, sometimes holding down three jobs to make ends meet after returning from his military service. He also helped establish schools for young Afghans during his civilian work in Afghanistan.
Legislative Initiatives
Golden has introduced several bills aimed at addressing various national issues.
- Legislative Initiatives: Golden has introduced several bills aimed at addressing various national issues. For example, he sponsored the Declaring Our Energy Independence from China Act of 2024, which aims to reduce the U.S.'s dependence on Chinese energy sources.
- Foreign Lobbying Ban Act: Golden also introduced the Congressional and Executive Foreign Lobbying Ban Act, which seeks to prohibit former Members of Congress from engaging in lobbying contacts.
- Block Foreign-Funded Political Ads Act: Another bill he introduced is the Block Foreign-Funded Political Ads Act, which aims to restrict foreign funding in U.S. elections.
Reelection Campaign
Golden's reelection campaigns have been marked by close races and cross-partisan appeal.
- Reelection Campaign: In the 2024 elections, Golden declared victory in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District race but faced a potential recount from his opponent, Republican Austin Theriault. As of November 6, 2024, Golden was leading Theriault by a margin of less than 1%, with write-in candidates accounting for 0.3% of the total votes.
- Rural District Representation: Golden's district is one of the most rural in the United States, with 94% of its residents identifying as non-Hispanic White. This demographic makes his district unique and challenging to represent.
- Cross-Partisan Appeal: Despite representing a district that voted for Donald Trump in 2020, Golden has managed to build a cross-partisan appeal. His campaign noted that his "unique brand of progressive conservative politics" powered him to victory in a district that Trump won by roughly 8 points.
Moderate Democrat Reputation
Golden's moderate stance has allowed him to maintain support from both Democratic and Republican voters.
- Moderate Democrat Reputation: Golden has carved out a reputation as a moderate or centrist Democrat during his three terms in Washington. This stance has allowed him to maintain support from both Democratic and Republican voters in his district.
Military Service Legacy
Golden's military service continues to influence his legislative priorities and community engagement.
- Military Service Legacy: Golden's military service has had a lasting impact on his career. His experience as an infantryman in the Marines has influenced his legislative priorities, particularly in areas related to national security and veterans' affairs.
- Community Engagement: Beyond his legislative work, Golden remains engaged with his community. He often returns to his hometown to participate in local events and support local businesses, reflecting his commitment to rural Maine.
Family Influence and Leadership Roles
Golden's family background and leadership roles have shaped his approach to politics.
- Family Influence: Growing up in a family with a multi-generational small business has instilled in Golden a strong sense of community and entrepreneurship. This influence is evident in his support for small businesses and rural development initiatives.
- Leadership Roles: As a co-chair of the Blue Dogs Coalition, Golden plays a significant role in shaping the legislative agenda of moderate Democrats. This leadership position underscores his ability to work across party lines and find common ground.
Future Prospects
Golden's ongoing reelection campaign and potential legislative initiatives position him well for future challenges.
- Future Prospects: With his reelection campaign ongoing and potential legislative initiatives on the horizon, Golden continues to be a significant figure in Maine politics. His ability to navigate complex issues and build cross-partisan support positions him well for future challenges in Congress.
Jared Golden: A Unique Political Figure
Jared Golden stands out in American politics. His journey from Marine Corps service to representing Maine's 2nd congressional district showcases dedication and resilience. Golden's mixed voting record, especially on gun control and infrastructure, highlights his independent approach. His recent shift on gun control, following the Lewiston shootings, shows his willingness to adapt based on real-world events. Representing a largely rural district, Golden balances progressive and conservative values, appealing to a broad range of voters. His leadership in the Blue Dogs Coalition and his legislative initiatives, like the Declaring Our Energy Independence from China Act, underscore his commitment to pragmatic solutions. Living in Lewiston with his family, Golden remains deeply connected to his roots. As he continues his political career, Golden's unique blend of service, community focus, and moderate stances make him a compelling figure to watch.
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