The landscape of the Democratic Party is changing all around, and bombshell news was revealed this week about the future of the party's most conservative member in the lower chamber that rocked Washington D.C.

According to the New York Post, Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), announced this week that he will not seek reelection, which would have marked his fifth term in the House of Representatives. 

Golden, in his statement posted to X, expressed confidence that should he decide to run again, he would likely win, but said the cost of staying in the House isn't as important as his family.

The Maine Democrat was the only one in his party to vote in favor of a short-term funding bill alongside Republicans.

What's going on?

Golden made it clear in his post that it's time for him to put family first, which is a fairly common reason for younger lawmakers to bow out earlier than one would expect.

After much deliberation, I’ve decided not to seek reelection in 2026.

"I’m confident that were I to run again, I would win. But recent events have made me reconsider whether the good I can do in Congress still outweighs the cost to my family," he wrote in an X post.

He added, "I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished in decades of public service. Now, I look forward to my next chapter: raising my young daughters with Izzy and spending more time with our family and friends. To the people of Maine's 2nd District: Thank you. Representing you has been the honor of my life."

After much deliberation, I’ve decided not to seek reelection in 2026.

I’m confident that were I to run again, I would win. But recent events have made me reconsider whether the good I can do in Congress still outweighs the cost to my family.

I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished…

— Jared Golden for Congress (@golden4congress) November 5, 2025

Notably, his decision to hang it up came in the wake of the string of radical left Democrat wins across the country on Tuesday.

The Post noted:

Golden, a former Marine and member of the moderate House Blue Dog Coalition, announced his decision one day after Democrats racked up off-year election wins — highlighted by the triumph of socialist Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral election.

Social media reacts

Users across social media weighed in on Golden's decision to jump out.

"When the normal, reasonable, human Democrats start resigning, it's a sign that we're going the wrong way as a nation. Fewer Zohran Mandamis, more Jared Goldens," one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "Good man. No honorable Democrat could stomach what the Democrats have been doing."