Democrat Jared Golden backs Republican Mike Lawler in tight New York race

U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat from Maine who is stepping down after four terms, announced an endorsement of Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in New York’s 17th District, where Lawler is running for a third term. Golden cited their joint effort on legislation that postponed new lobster-fishing regulations aimed at protecting endangered right whales, noting Lawler’s broader bipartisan record on issues such as restoring federal workers’ collective bargaining and extending ACA subsidies.

He argued that Lawler’s district, one of only three GOP seats carried by former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, exemplifies the need to work across party lines. The endorsement comes as House Democrats weigh the cost of targeting Lawler, whose opponent is Democrat Cait Conley, a combat veteran. The Cook Political Report classifies the contest as a toss-up, and President Donald Trump has also endorsed Lawler. Golden has allocated some of his remaining campaign funds to other Democratic primary races, leaving the disposition of the rest of his nearly $400,000 unclear.