Jared Golden breaks with party again, this time over Russian sanctions bill

MAINE PUBLIC • September 16, 2026

Maine Congressman Jared Golden crossed party lines this week to help give Republicans the votes they needed to advance a Russian sanctions bill. It was the second time this month that Golden — a Democrat representing Maine's 2nd Congressional District — broke ranks with his party on procedural votes that allowed a package of mostly Republican-backed bills to move forward. In the first instance, Golden said he voted with Republicans on the procedural rule because it contained a bill that he co-authored that will delay new federal gear requirements on lobstermen to protect endangered whales. Democrats oppose granting Trump any additional powers to levy tariffs. Golden, who is not seeking reelection, is among the few Democrats who have supported aspects of Trump's global tariffs.