Jared Golden is a Democratic Representative from Maine, born on July 25, 1982, in Lewiston, Androscoggin County, Maine. He graduated from Leavitt Area High School in Turner, Maine, in 2001 and attended the University of Maine at Farmington briefly before completing his Bachelor of Arts degree at Bates College in 2011. Golden served in the United States Marine Corps from 2002 to 2006, after which he transitioned into public service. He has worked as a staff member for several congressional offices and was a member of the Maine State House of Representatives from 2014 to 2019 before being elected to serve in the U.S. Congress from January 3, 2019, to the present.
Throughout his time in Congress, Golden has engaged deeply with issues pertinent to Maine, focusing on areas such as transportation, natural resources, and veteran affairs. He currently serves on the Armed Services Committee and the Natural Resources Committee, where he participates in discussions critical to Maine's economy and environment.
Golden has sponsored and co-sponsored several pieces of legislation, reflecting his advocacy for both local and national interests. Notably, one of his significant co-sponsored bills is the Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking Act (HB471). This bill aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of interstate trucking by allowing states to issue special permits for overweight vehicles during emergencies, expanding commercial vehicle parking facilities, and providing workforce development for commercial motor vehicle drivers.
Another bill he co-sponsored is the Northeast Fisheries Heritage Protection Act (HB674), which seeks to protect Maine's lobster management areas from commercial offshore wind energy development, highlighting his commitment to both environmental protection and local industries that are vital to Maine's livelihood.
Golden has also taken a stand for transparency and accountability in government through his support for the TRUST in Congress Act (HB396), which mandates members of Congress to place certain financial assets into blind trusts, aiming to reduce conflicts of interest and increase public confidence in Congress.
In terms of political leanings, Golden's legislative efforts suggest a moderate Democratic approach, focusing on enhancing public welfare through infrastructure improvements and environmental conservation while also emphasizing fiscal responsibility. His support for labor-related legislation, like the Future in Logging Careers Act (HB1193), further illustrates his alignment with working-class and rural constituents, advocating for economic opportunities that do not compromise labor rights.
Golden's background in the military and public service informs his commitment to veterans' issues and support for local economies. He is a proponent of policies that support Maine's unique needs while also engaging with broader national priorities.
With a focus on practical solutions to complex problems, Representative Jared Golden continues to represent Maine's Second Congressional District, maintaining a balance between local interests and national policy debates.