House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D‑NY, publicly rebuked Rep. Jared Golden, D‑Maine, after Golden announced his endorsement of Rep. Mike Lawler, R‑NY, for a third term in the U.S. House. Jeffries said Lawler is a “partisan hack and Trump sycophant” and dismissed the endorsement as an “11th‑hour” attempt to sway voters in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley.
Jeffries’ criticism of Lawler
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Jeffries argued that Lawler has “never shown bipartisan courage when it matters” and contrasted the Republican with his Democratic opponent, a combat veteran and patriot. Jeffries added that the endorsement “will do nothing to change the outcome of the race” because the decision ultimately rests with the people of Westchester.
Golden defends his endorsement
Golden, who is retiring at the end of the year, pushed back, describing Lawler as one of the most bipartisan members of Congress. He cited the nonpartisan Lugar Bipartisanship Index, which ranked Lawler fourth‑most bipartisan in its latest analysis. Golden noted that Lawler holds one of only three Republican seats that former Vice President Kamala Harris carried in 2024, and argued that representing a mixed district forces lawmakers to work with neighbors of differing views.
“I know how bipartisan Mike Lawler really is,” Golden wrote on social media. “Representing districts like ours teaches you that those people are not your enemies—they are your neighbors.” He also emphasized his own record of earning trust across party lines in a challenging district.
Lawler’s response
Lawler thanked Golden for the endorsement, stating that despite their party differences, they have collaborated in the House to find common ground on issues that matter to their constituents. “We share a firm belief that what’s best for the people should come before one’s party,” Lawler wrote on X, adding that more bipartisan cooperation would benefit the country.
Election outlook
Political analysts project that Democrats hold an advantage in the Westchester district, with most forecasts favoring the Democratic challenger. Nonetheless, Lawler has previously defied expectations, notably splitting the ticket with former Vice President Kamala Harris in November 2024.
Golden’s endorsement underscores a growing trend of moderate Democrats breaking with party leadership on specific votes, such as the recent procedural “rule vote” where Golden and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D‑WA, sided with Republicans. Jeffries labeled those actions a “breach of trust,” highlighting internal party tensions.
Implications for the House
The dispute illustrates the broader struggle within the Democratic caucus as leaders seek to maintain unity ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Jeffries, who is pursuing the majority, warned that defections could weaken the party’s ability to advance its agenda. Meanwhile, Golden’s willingness to cross party lines reflects a segment of the Democratic rank‑and‑file that prioritizes local concerns over strict party loyalty.
As the November election approaches, voters in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley will decide whether Lawler’s bipartisan record can overcome the district’s Democratic lean, or whether the Democratic challenger will retain the seat for the party.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
