Democrat Maine Rep. Jared Golden on Wednesday refused to answer why he voted in favor of allowing trans-identifying men to compete in women’s sports in footage exclusively obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) asked Golden whether he intended to apologize for “repeatedly allowing” men to compete in women’s sports. The Maine congressman’s mixed voting record and willingness to work with President Donald Trump has angered some in his party, making him a potential target in his district’s next Democratic primary.
“Congressman Golden, will you apologize for repeatedly voting to allow men in women’s sports?” the NRCC asked. “Congressman, why did you vote to allow men in women’s sports? Why did you take those anti-women votes, congressman?”
Golden did not provide a single answer to any of the questions.
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The Maine Democrat voted against H.R. 28, a piece of legislation intending to interpret Title IX to prohibit biological males from competing in women’s sports on Jan. 14. The bill passed in the House of Representatives, with all 216 Republicans and 2 Democrats having voted in favor.
Golden also voted against the same piece of legislation during the 118th Congress in April 2023. He also co-sponsored and voted in favor of the Equality Act in 2021, which would have permitted men and boys to access female-only spaces, including locker rooms and bathrooms.
As of February, Golden has attempted to flip-flop his position by telling WGME-TV in Portland, Maine, that “biological boys shouldn’t compete in sports against biological girls.” His comments came after Trump clashed with Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills over the state government’s decision to defy the president’s executive order protecting girls and women’s sports.
The congressman may face a tight race in his next campaign. State auditor Matthew Dunlap said he is considering a challenge to Golden for his seat, which is also a pick-up opportunity for Republicans, according to the Portland Press Herald. In an attempt to gain the seat, Republicans are attempting to hold Golden and other congressional Democrats accountable for their past votes in support of men competing against women.
