Democratic Congressman Jared Golden of Maine has declared his decision to retire, opting not to seek re-election in his fiercely contested district. The 43-year-old lawmaker, who represents a Trump-aligned constituency, cited escalating political violence and extreme polarization in the United States as the primary reasons for his departure. In an op-ed published in his local newspaper, Golden expressed his exhaustion with the growing incivility and hostility prevalent in American politics. “After 11 years as a legislator, I have grown tired of the increasing incivility and plain nastiness that are now common from some elements of our American community,” he wrote. Golden’s district, which favored Trump by nine points in the 2024 election, is considered a vulnerable seat for Democrats in the upcoming midterms. His announcement coincides with a nationwide redistricting battle, where both Republican and Democratic-led states are redrawing voting lines to bolster their party’s control of the U.S. House of Representatives. For instance, California voters recently approved new district maps that could benefit Democrats in five additional districts, countering similar moves by Texas to favor Republicans. Golden, a moderate Democrat known for occasionally breaking ranks with his party, recently sided with Republicans on a government funding bill. Despite facing challenges from both a left-wing primary opponent and former Republican Governor Paul LePage, Golden emphasized that his decision was not driven by fear of electoral defeat. Instead, he expressed concerns for his safety and that of his family if he remained in office. “I don’t fear losing. What has become apparent to me is that I now dread the prospect of winning,” he wrote. “Simply put, what I could accomplish in this increasingly unproductive Congress pales in comparison to what I could do in that time as a husband, a father, and a son.” Golden, first elected in 2018 after defeating Republican incumbent Bruce Poliquin, has a background as a state legislator and Marine veteran. His retirement has been met with jubilation by Republicans, who view it as an opportunity to flip the seat in 2026. Maureen O’Toole, a spokeswoman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, remarked, “Serial flip-flopper Jared Golden’s exit from Congress says it all: He’s turned his back on Mainers for years and now his chickens are coming home to roost.” Golden, however, hopes his departure will pave the way for a new generation of leaders, urging both parties to embrace fresh perspectives. “The torch should be passed to those with the greatest stake in the future — my generation and those who follow,” he concluded.