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From New York Times Opinion | By James Pogue
Mr. Pogue, a contributing Opinion writer, has been covering rural America and the West for 15 years.
This essay is the fifth installment in a series on the thinkers, upstarts and ideologues battling for control of the Democratic Party.
In July, Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington proposed an amendment to a bill, calling for an inquiry into what she described as a “plague in this country of headlight brightness.”
She introduced the provision in a short speech in which she lapsed into obscenity and suggested that blinding lights on American roads were part of the inexorable deterioration in basic quality of life so many people feel today, implicitly gibed her fellow members for their failures to respond to that feeling and seemed to acknowledge that many of her listeners had heard talk like this before. When a solitary colleague interrupted to clap, she turned and joked, “I’ll give you your $20 later.”
Blue Dog PAC Endorses Dr. Jasmeet Bains for Congress in California’s 22nd District
December 17, 2025FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
Blue Dog PAC Endorses Dr. Jasmeet Bains for Congress in California’s 22nd District
DELANO, CA – Today, the Blue Dog PAC endorsed family physician and California State Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains for California’s 22nd Congressional District.
Bains is the second endorsement in the Blue Dogs’ slate of commonsense, pragmatic candidates running for Congress in 2026.
“Dr. Jasmeet Bains is tough, and she’s focused on results — not politics. She’s exactly the kind of candidate who can cut through the noise and deliver for working families,” said the Blue Dog PAC. “Her GOP opponent, Congressman David Valadao, has voted for cuts to Medicare and Medicaid and walked away from the people of the Central Valley when they needed him most. Jasmeet sees the consequences of those decisions every day in her clinic. She knows the stakes, and she knows how to fix what’s broken. As a Blue Dog, she’ll bring the same no-nonsense, results-driven approach she’s shown as a physician and legislator. We’re proud she’s one of the first candidates we’re supporting heading into 2026.”
“Dr. Jasmeet Bains is a proven leader for the Valley who consistently puts her constituents first in the state legislature, demonstrating that she places people over party. She will bring that same Valley First commitment to Congress as a stand out Representative and a strong Blue Dog,” said Rep. Adam Gray (CA-13).
“I’m honored to earn the endorsement of the Blue Dog PAC and their trust in my commitment to results-driven leadership,” said Dr. Jasmeet Bains. “Together, we’re working to deliver good-paying jobs for working families in the valley, affordable health care, and fighting to keep jobs local in California’s Central Valley and beyond.”
The Blue Dog PAC joins a broad coalition supporting Jasmeet’s campaign for Congress, including labor unions, law enforcement groups, healthcare advocates, ten Members of Congress, dozens of state elected officials, and countless working families across CA-22.
About the Blue Dogs:
The Blue Dog PAC is the campaign arm of the Blue Dog Coalition, an official caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives made up of fiscally responsible Democrats who are leading the way to find commonsense solutions. They are pragmatic Democrats, appealing to the mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to pursuing fiscally-responsible policies, ensuring a strong national defense for our country, and transcending party lines to get things done for the American people.
The candidates who deserve your money
November 13, 2025From Slow Boring, by Matthew Yglesias
Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. (Photo by the Washington Post)
I almost can’t believe that I’ve been writing Slow Boring for five years. It is, in fact, so hard to believe that I didn’t pull together any big reflective musings this year on what I’ve learned or where we are as a publication.
But I think it’s fitting that the anniversary coincides with the release of our latest slate of recommendations for political donations. I wrote last week about principal-agent problems in the donor-adviser business, and one advantage I have as a writer is that anyone reading these recommendations has access to tons of information about what I think and what my values are.
And I think that the MAGA movement is a major threat to the American constitutional order and to the future of liberalism. I think that to check this movement, the Democratic Party needs to be a bigger tent in terms of electoral strategy and also a serious drive for reform in blue states.
I of course hope that even readers who don’t agree with that advice or with the Slow Boring worldview in its entirety can still find value in articles about the alleged asylum-to-prison swap, the Italian Front in World War I, and condominium liability rules. But this is a publication driven by a mission, and I want to thank everyone who has helped advance that mission by subscribing. We’ve succeeded over these past five years beyond my wildest dreams, and I’m looking forward to the year to come.
For the past few cycles, Slow Boring has offered candidate recommendations to those of you who are interested in making financial contributions. And now that the off-year races in New Jersey and Virginia are behind us, it’s time to look ahead to the midterms and do it again.
If this had come out a few weeks ago, Representative Jared Golden would likely have been one of our top recommendations. But just as we began working on it, he announced that he won’t be running for re-election.
Before proceeding with the list, though, I wanted to talk a little bit about Golden because I’m pretty angry about the situation.
By his own account, Golden’s decision to quit Congress isn’t about the primary challenge he’s facing from Maine State Auditor Matt Dunlap, and I take Golden at his word. He’s making very good points about the ugliness that modern politics exposes his children to, and also about the merits of focusing on his role as a husband and father rather than being a backbench House member in a world where Congress is increasingly unproductive.
So I want to be clear that I’m not saying that Dunlap is the real reason that Golden is retiring. But consider the circumstances in which a Dunlap primary challenge could exist.
WASHINGTON — Today, the Blue Dog PAC proudly endorsed its first candidate of the 2026 cycle, throwing their support behind Rebecca Cooke who’s running in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District against extremist incumbent Derrick Van Orden.
A sixth-generation Wisconsinite, Rebecca was raised on her family’s Eau Claire dairy farm, milking cows and showing cattle from a young age. Rebecca’s lived what small business owners, dairy farmers, and rural Americans have gone through in the last few decades, as the chaos and failed policies decided in D.C. have left too many working people without a voice in Congress. She’s a working-class American who proudly waits tables at night to pay the bills, while running for Congress during the day.
“Rebecca Cooke is the homegrown fighter western Wisconsin needs in Congress right now, and the Blue Dogs are proud she’s the first candidate we’re endorsing for the 2026 election,” said Blue Dog PAC Chairman Rep. Jared Golden. “While Republicans in D.C. like Derrick Van Orden are working to gut health care and blow up the deficit to fund tax cuts for the rich, we know Rebecca Cooke will go to Congress with much different priorities: delivering local results for western Wisconsin, treating her constituents with respect and serving as a voice for the common sense thinking she hears from her community.”
“This moment calls for leaders who are ready to roll up their sleeves to get to work for the American people. I applaud the Blue Dogs’ commitment to getting things done and look forward to working with them to defeat Derrick Van Orden and send someone to Washington who is going to fight for working-class Wisconsinites,” said Cooke.
Rebecca won significantly more Trump voters in Wisconsin’s Third than the rest of the Democratic ticket did in 2024. Her deep roots in the community and ability to connect across party lines make her the kind of candidate who can rebuild trust and deliver results for working families in western Wisconsin. The Blue Dogs are confident she is the homegrown Democrat who will win this rematch in 2026.
About the Blue Dogs:
The Blue Dog PAC is the campaign arm of the Blue Dog Coalition, an official caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives made up of fiscally responsible Democrats who are leading the way to find commonsense solutions. They are pragmatic Democrats, appealing to the mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to pursuing fiscally-responsible policies, ensuring a strong national defense for our country, and transcending party lines to get things done for the American people.
LEWISTON, Maine — Congressman Jared Golden of Lewiston today announced his campaign for re-election to Maine’s 2nd Congressional District.
“While I have considered many options for how best to continue serving the people of Maine, I have decided to run for re-election because the surest way to restore balance in Washington is for Democrats to win back the House of Representatives,” Golden said. “While the election is still 18 months away and I remain focused on my responsibilities to my constituents and my family, I also know the path to the majority runs through Maine. And I am going to do what it takes to make sure no one like Paul LePage blusters his way into Congress.”
“The stakes are clear: While the GOP in Congress is working overtime to take away Mainers health care and further rig the tax code for the rich, Jared is standing up for our health care, workers’ rights, reproductive freedom and Maine’s heritage industries,” said Jordan Kathleen Burns of Lewiston, Golden’s campaign manager. “He’s a proven winner and the right choice to beat a candidate like Paul LePage and restore checks and balances in Congress.”
State of the Race:
As a district won by President Donald Trump three times, Maine’s 2nd Congressional District is one of the most competitive districts in the nation and one of the GOP’s top targets in 2026. With the district voting for Trump by 10 points in 2024, Golden represents the most Trump-supporting constituency of any Democrat in Congress.
Golden has a proven record of building the coalition needed to win a district where registered Republicans outnumber registered Democrats by more than 30,000 voters. He is the only Democrat in Congress to have flipped and held a Trump district for four consecutive terms.
What They’re Saying:
Golden’s bid for re-election received a deluge of endorsements from local and national leaders and organizations:
“Jared Golden is a respected colleague and friend, valued leader and combat veteran whose honesty, integrity and commitment to core Democratic values make him the right fit for his district. Jared’s dedication to representing all of his constituents — no matter their party affiliation — makes him uniquely suited to once again win one of the toughest seats in the country for Democrats to hold. He’s also helping Democrats flip Republican seats in competitive districts throughout America.” — House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05) and Chairman Pete Aguilar (CA-33); and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01)
“I’ve known Jared for years and know him as a committed public servant who works hard to faithfully represent one of the most politically diverse districts in Congress. He’s a leader who does the work to stand up for middle-class families from Fort Kent to Eastport to Lewiston. He has been a champion for Veterans and protecting Mainers healthcare access. I’m proud to endorse him.” — State Sen. Joseph Baldacci, D-Bangor
“Congressman Golden has shown his ability to win and hold this tough seat by working hard to faithfully represent everyone who calls Maine’s second district home. He has shown bipartisan leadership while maintaining his values. I am grateful that he is running again and proud to endorse him.” — Maine Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, D-Readfield
“Congressman Golden is a stalwart defender of unions, working Mainers and our families. He has a proven track record of defending labor rights, fair pay and safe working conditions. Maine needs Jared, someone who can hold the ME-02 seat and deliver results for us in DC. I am proud to endorse his re-election.” — IBEW member and Maine Rep. Kilton Webb, D-Durham
“I am proudly supporting Congressman Golden’s re-election in 2026. Rural Maine needs a proven fighter and someone who consistently represents all of his constituents. I know that when he goes to DC he takes my family, friends and community with him.” — Former Maine Rep. Scott Landry, D-Farmington
“I like Jared first and foremost very much because he considers legislation with his entire district in mind. He is a moderating voice in DC, which the folks I represented here in Calais highly value. He strives toward making the lives of rural Mainers better while keeping an eye toward bipartisanship. I am happily endorsing his re-election in 2026.” — Former Maine Rep. Anne Perry, D-Calais
“Shipbuilders at Local S6 have no greater friend than Jared Golden. In Congress, Jared has authored and supported pro-worker legislation and, as a member of the powerful House Armed Services Committee, has fought tirelessly to secure critical funding for Navy destroyers built right here in Maine. Together, Bath shipbuilders and Jared Golden make a powerful team for Maine. We support his re-election wholeheartedly.” — Christopher Williams, President of Machinists Local S6 (Bath Iron Works)
“People hire union carpenters when they want work done right. That’s what voters expect from their elected officials: Quality work. Jared Golden gets up every day and takes his job seriously, whether it’s standing up for veterans and seniors or delivering for the men and women who put in the hours every day to deliver for their families. We’re with Jared.” — John Leavitt, Northern New England Regional Manager, Carpenters Union Local 349 & Interior Systems Union Local 352 , North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRCC)
“Workers have had no greater champion in Washington than Jared Golden. He has stood with us on the picket line, defended our right to collective bargaining, and fought for our jobs. Jared’s been with us, and we’re with him. Machinists in Maine are proud to endorse his re-election.” — Mark Vigilotta, President of the Maine State Council of Machinists
“My job is to put people to work in good jobs with fair pay, good benefits and a chance to retire in dignity. I’m elected by our members to look out for them and do what is best for them and their families. Oftentimes those are tough decisions. The decision on whom to support for Congress isn’t one of them. Jared Golden has been on the jobsites, in the union halls, on the picket lines and in the heads of greedy corporations for years. Like my members, he laces up, puts miles on his pickup and heads to the jobsite every day. His would-be opponent? The only thing he racks up are the frequent flyer miles he collects while visiting us from his Florida home every election season. As a union member, a father, a former Marine and a lifelong resident of Hermon, I’m supporting Jared Golden.” — Lewis Overlock, Business Manager, Local 327 of the Laborers’ Union
“Congressman Golden has been a staunch ally of federal workers during his entire tenure in Congress. He has an ‘A Rating’ legislative record with our union as proof of his commitment to our core issues, and right now he is helping spearhead efforts in Congress to protect the jobs and rights of the dedicated civil servants that make America work. Congressman Golden has consistently stood with AFGE, and AFGE is now proud to stand with him once again for his reelection.” — David Gonzalez, District 2 National Vice President for the American Federation of Government Employees, representing federal employees in Maine.
“As a small business owner, it’s important to me to have a member of Congress who’s not beholden to anyone but their constituents. Jared has served us well. He cares about the things that make Maine special, and works hard to ensure working people and small businesses can succeed and thrive here. We should send him back to Congress in 2026.” — Tobias Parkhurst, Co-Founder of Cushnoc Brewing Co. and President of O&P Glass
“When it comes to supporting the middle class, control of Congress has never been more critical. Workers must support candidates who have our backs. That’s Jared Golden. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers proudly endorses his reelection effort to ensure Jared remains in DC to keep fighting for working Mainers.” — David Sullivan, General Vice President of the Eastern Territory, International Association of Machinists
“Congressman Jared Golden has tirelessly defended reproductive freedom during his time in Congress, and we’re proud to endorse him for the 2026 election cycle so he can continue that work. As the GOP is working to slash Medicaid, severely restricting access to reproductive care, this is a critical moment for us to call out these attacks on our fundamental freedoms. We’re looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting to work to send Jared back to the U.S. House to defend the rights of Mainers and people across the country.” — Mini Timmaraju, Reproductive Freedom for All President and CEO
“Representative Golden is leading the fight to root out corruption in government and stand up to the special interests rigging the system against working families. By rejecting corporate PAC money and refusing to play by the broken rules of Washington, he’s proven that it’s possible to serve in Congress with honor and integrity. At a time when voters are demanding accountability and reform, Representative Golden is delivering both.” — Tiffany Muller, President of End Citizens United and Let America Vote.
“Jared Golden started a career dedicated to service when the tragedy of 9/11 inspired him to join the Marines. After two combat tours and a successful career in the state legislature, he’s continued to serve his country in Congress. Jared is a tireless advocate for the people he represents and we’re proud to continue standing with him. We look forward to Jared winning re-election and delivering more results that will make life easier for middle class Mainers.” — VoteVets
Golden’s Record:
Golden has a record of service going back decades. He has been a champion for veterans, Social Security and affordable health care, Maine’s heritage industries and workers’ rights.
He served his country as a Marine, including combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. As a member of Congress, he has secured millions in funding for infrastructure, community projects and veterans services in Maine — including the construction of a new in-patient mental health facility at Togus VA Medical Center.
A proud Labor Democrat and fierce advocate for workers’ rights, Golden this year is leading legislation to overturn President Trump’s executive order stripping collective bargaining rights from 700,000 federal employees. The bill currently has more support than any other Democratic-sponsored legislation in Congress.
Last year, Golden was instrumental in passing the Social Security Fairness Act, to secure full benefits for tens of thousands of public servants in Maine.
Golden has also prioritized the heritage industries such as fishing, logging, farming and shipbuilding, including by introducing legislation to help grow the logging workforce, protect lobstermen from misguided, unfair regulations, and plan for the future of Maine’s shipbuilding industry.
As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Golden has supported a strong national defense, including by securing contracts for Bath Iron Works to build top-of-the-line destroyers for the U.S. Navy. On the Natural Resources Committee, Golden is working to protect Maine’s fisheries, increase energy production, and advocate for the sovereignty and rights of tribes in Maine.
In addition to serving Maine, Golden is Chairman of the Blue Dog PAC, where he is leading efforts to elect Democrats in red districts and swing districts across the country.
For more on Golden’s record, click here.