Outgoing Rep. Jared Golden, D‑Maine, used an opinion piece to endorse his colleague Rep. Mike Lawler, R‑New York, for re‑election in the 2026 midterm cycle. Golden, who announced last year he will not seek another term, highlighted Lawler’s willingness to collaborate with Democrats and his support for families in the Hudson Valley.
Golden’s endorsement message
“The Congress we get is the one we elect, and the country needs fewer members who treat the job as a stage and more who treat it as work. In New York’s Hudson Valley this fall, that is the choice on the ballot,” Golden wrote. He added, “Mike Lawler has been a true partner to me and a friend to fishing families he will never represent. I strongly back him, and I hope voters send him back to work. Wherever you live, find the members who pass laws with the other party, and keep them.”
Lawler’s response
Lawler responded on X, saying, “It’s an honor and a privilege to accept the endorsement of my friend, Democratic Congressman Jared Golden.” He emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation, noting that their shared belief is that “what’s best for the people should come before one’s party.”
Race dynamics in New York’s 17th District
The 17th Congressional District, which covers parts of the Hudson Valley, will see Lawler face Democratic challenger Cait Conley. Conley, a combat veteran, previously served as the National Security Council director for counterterrorism and worked with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg publicly supported Conley, posting on X that he is “proud to be in Cait’s corner.”
Implications for the 2026 midterms
Golden’s endorsement underscores a growing trend of cross‑party support in competitive districts, a narrative the Trump administration has highlighted as evidence that effective governance requires collaboration over partisan division. While the endorsement does not guarantee a victory for Lawler, it may influence moderate voters who value bipartisan problem‑solving.
Background on the candidates
Jared Golden has represented Maine’s 2nd District since early 2019 and announced his retirement from Congress in 2025. Mike Lawler has served New York’s 17th District since early 2023, focusing on economic development and infrastructure projects in the Hudson Valley. Cait Conley brings a national security background to the race, positioning herself as a strong defender of both local and national interests.
As the midterm campaign season intensifies, voters in the Hudson Valley will weigh the merits of bipartisan cooperation against the appeal of fresh leadership. The endorsement by a retiring Democrat for a Republican incumbent adds a notable twist to an already closely watched contest.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
