Outgoing Democrat Jared Golden backs Republican Mike Lawler for re-election in New York midterm race

From the Newshound archive · first published 22 September 2026.

Outgoing Maine Democrat Jared Golden has endorsed Republican Mike Lawler for re-election in New York's Hudson Valley, writing in Lawler's hometown paper that he is "a true partner" who treats the job as work rather than a stage. The cross-party backing comes with just over a month until early voting begins in New York. One Democrat privately admitted Lawler was likely unbeatable, questioning whether the party's spending against him was well placed. Lawler spoke at the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas earlier this month after embracing Trump.