Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) just dropped a political bombshell by announcing he won’t run for re-election in 2026, citing the toxic swamp of partisan bickering as a key reason for his exit, as Fox News reports.

Golden, a moderate Democrat and Marine Corps veteran representing Maine’s 2nd Congressional District since 2019, revealed his decision in a Bangor Daily News op-ed on Wednesday, blasting both parties for their descent into extremism and incivility while expressing a longing to prioritize family over an increasingly unproductive Congress.

This announcement lands just a day after Democrats notched big wins in states like Virginia and New Jersey, making Golden’s departure a curious counterpoint to party momentum.

Golden’s District: A Trump Stronghold

Representing a district that backed Donald Trump in recent elections, Golden often walked a tightrope as a centrist in a Republican-leaning area rated R+4 by the Cook Political Report.

Despite the “toss-up” status of his seat, he insisted the decision to step away wasn’t driven by fear of a tough race or Republican challengers.

Instead, Golden painted a picture of a Congress mired in dysfunction, a far cry from the service-oriented mission that drew him in as a former Marine.

Criticism of Both Parties’ Extremes

In his op-ed, Golden didn’t hold back, accusing mainstream Republicans of letting the MAGA movement seize control and cede congressional power to the executive branch.

On the flip side, he warned that Democrats are veering into dangerous territory by embracing obstructionist tactics like government shutdowns, a strategy he claims they once condemned when used by the GOP.

“I fear Democrats are going down the same path. We’re allowing the most extreme, pugilistic elements of our party to call the shots,” Golden wrote in the Bangor Daily News, pointing to the recent shutdown vote as a prime example of this troubling shift.

A Personal Toll

Golden’s frustration isn’t just political -- it’s personal, as he admitted to dreading the idea of winning another term more than losing one.

“I don’t fear losing. What has become apparent to me is that I now dread the prospect of winning,” he penned in the Bangor Daily News, emphasizing that his potential contributions in Congress pale compared to what he could offer as a husband, father, and son.

Adding to the weight, Golden and his family endured a bomb threat at their home this year, forcing them to spend Thanksgiving in a hotel room -- a stark reminder of the hostility seeping into public life.

Reactions and Future Implications

The National Republican Congressional Committee pounced on the news, predicting a red flip in 2026 for Maine’s 2nd District with a spokesperson gleefully claiming Golden has long abandoned his constituents.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee offered praise, with Chair Suzan DelBene commending Golden’s dedication to lowering costs, supporting lobstermen, and advocating for veterans during his tenure.

Golden’s exit, after eight years in Congress -- a length he noted aligns with Maine Legislature term limits -- leaves a void in a competitive district, and his critique of partisan extremism should serve as a wake-up call to both sides of the aisle.