Moderate Democrats Vote with Republicans on Procedural Hurdle Ahead of Midterms

<p>On September 12, 2026, Representatives Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) voted with Republicans on a procedural hurdle known as a "rule vote," allowing the House to consider additional bills in the week leading up to the November midterms. This decision diverged from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' (D-N.Y.) position and has raised questions about his leadership.</p><p>Golden's spokesperson indicated that the congressman voted to advance a Russia sanctions bill, which would have been jeopardized if the rule vote had failed. The spokesperson stated, "Congressman Golden has been a consistent supporter of America’s allies in Ukraine. He didn’t want to see the Russia sanctions bill die in a rule vote after passing with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate."</p><p>Both Golden and Gluesenkamp Perez have previously voted against their party on similar procedural votes, which has led to frustration among fellow Democrats. Jeffries and his deputies expressed their discontent, stating that the actions of the two representatives represented a significant breach of trust and warranted a serious response. However, it remains unclear if any disciplinary measures were taken.</p><p>Golden is set to retire from Congress at the end of the year, while Gluesenkamp Perez is facing a challenging election against a Republican challenger in her district, which supported Donald Trump in the 2024 election.</p>