Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) on Tuesday defended his decision to cross party lines and support a Republican procedural rule, saying his loyalty lies with Maine's fishing communities. Golden, along with Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.), joined Republicans to advance a package of four bills, including a resolution condemning socialism and Golden's own legislation to provide economic relief to lobstermen affected by North Atlantic right whale protections.
In an interview with the Substack newsletter "Out of State," Golden explained his vote, stating, "I have great empathy for right whales. I want to see them survive." However, he emphasized that the majority of right whale deaths are not linked to Maine lobstermen. "Given the reality of what's going on here, that most of their deaths have nothing to do with Maine lobstermen, if it's a choice between Maine fishing communities and the right whales, I, as a representative for Maine's 2nd District, I'm going with the fishermen and the families and the communities that they live in," he said.
The Maine Democrat detailed the severe impact of federal regulations on the lobster industry, describing lobstermen as "terrified" and the rules as "unworkable." He warned that the protections could lead to fishery closures, comparing the potential devastation to a "mill closure." "No property tax base, schools closed, everyone moves away – it's just devastating," Golden said. He added that some fishermen had told him they were "contemplating suicide" due to the stress.
Golden acknowledged the political tension of his vote, noting that opposing the rule would have meant voting against his own bill. "It would have been a nonsensical conversation to defend siding with Democratic leadership by opposing the GOP bills and my own legislation," he said. Voting against the measure he introduced "to help my core constituency" would have been seen as "a bitter betrayal."
The two Democratic defections proved crucial for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), salvaging his September legislative agenda. The package, which includes messaging on socialism and environmental policy, is designed to put vulnerable Democrats on the spot ahead of the November midterms. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (Mass.) said the votes "came as a surprise," but Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) dismissed any talk of punishment, saying, "No, no, no. Who are we, the Republicans?"
Gluesenkamp Perez echoed Golden's rationale, saying she supported the rule to ensure the lobster bill passed. She argued that environmental protections are not effective without "the input of people who make their livelihoods and heritage on the water."
Golden's move highlights the ongoing friction between coastal economic interests and environmental conservation, a theme that has also surfaced in tariff disputes affecting the lobster trade. His vote also underscores the delicate balance for Maine Democrats like Sen. Susan Collins, who has faced pressure from both sides on trade and environmental issues, as seen in her reelection campaign.
The episode reflects broader divisions within the Democratic Party over how to address climate and conservation measures without alienating working-class constituencies. Golden's stance may resonate with voters in his district, but it also complicates the party's unified front against Republican messaging. As the midterms approach, such defections could become more frequent, testing the limits of party discipline.
