Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) endorsed Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), referring to him as a "true partner" and noting Lawler's history of supporting bipartisan initiatives. In an opinion article published in Lohud, Golden, who announced in November 2025 that he would not seek reelection, discussed the prevalent incivility in politics and highlighted Lawler's role in leading the Northeast Lobstermen Protection Act. This act aims to extend a six-year pause on new regulations affecting Maine's lobster industry until 2035.
Golden stated, "When I announced last fall that I would not seek reelection, I wrote about the incivility and plain nastiness that are now common in our politics, and about a Congress that too often rewards ego and division over patience and determination. I stand by all of it. But there is another side to the story, and before I leave office I want to tell it."
He elaborated on the challenges faced by Maine's lobstermen due to federal regulations aimed at protecting the North Atlantic right whale, mentioning that in 2021, new restrictions were issued based on worst-case assumptions rather than actual data. Golden noted that a federal appeals court had unanimously vacated those restrictions and that Congress intervened the following year with a six-year pause on new regulations and funding for improved scientific research.
Golden emphasized that the pause will expire at the end of 2028 and that the research funded has not yet been fully integrated into government models. He acknowledged Lawler's leadership in the bill, despite Lawler not representing any lobster boats in his district, and mentioned that the bill passed the House Natural Resources Committee in July and received bipartisan support on the House floor.
"That is how Congress is supposed to work: members of different parties set aside their disagreements, find a problem that matters to the country and fix it," Golden stated. He also recalled instances where Lawler supported him across party lines, including a bill restoring collective bargaining rights for federal employees that Lawler backed without hesitation.
Golden concluded by expressing his strong support for Lawler, describing him as a "true partner" and a "friend to fishing families he will never represent." In response, Lawler expressed gratitude for Golden's endorsement, calling him a "servant leader" who has worked diligently for his district. Lawler stated, "Thank you to my friend and colleague @RepGolden for his endorsement. Jared is a servant leader, who has fought tirelessly for his district. Time and again when we needed bipartisan compromise, Jared was always there ready to deliver. I’m honored to have earned his support."