2024 Maine (ME-02) US House of Representatives Voters Guide
Jared Golden (D) vs Austin Theriault (R)
The Candidates
Legal. Called overturning Roe v. Wade “a grave mistake” with “serious and harmful consequences for millions of women.” Voted for bills to protect reproductive rights. Opposed legislation allowing federal funds to support anti-abortion counseling centers.
Ban. Opposed enshrining abortion rights in Maine’s constitution and expanding abortion access. Supported the Supreme Court’s decision ending Roe v. Wade. Is “pro-life.” The Court “was right to put the issue back to the states.”
Yes. “Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge of our time.” Voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, with $369 billion in climate and clean energy provisions. Supports providing $50 billion for developing greater local resilience against climate change.
Mostly no. The Inflation Reduction Act is a “green energy” “boondoggle.” Opposed developing an offshore wind industry in the Gulf of Maine. Voted against a bill to reform solar energy billing and foster local solar. Voted to approve a power transmission project to support renewable energy development in N. Maine.
Voted to increase funding for local police and border security. Voted against George Floyd Justice in Policing Act because it removed a provision protecting police from civil lawsuits for use of excessive force. “Too many politicians disparage all police officers because of the wrongful actions of a few.”
Law enforcement should have “the funds that they need to be successful.” “Trump has endorsed my campaign because he knows I’m going to be tough on crime.” Opposed a bill to force the Department of Corrections to use its Long Creek funding for individual care for each youth currently incarcerated.
Increase investment. Supports efforts to help small businesses, including federal support for grants, training, and mentoring. Voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with “$1.5 billion to rebuild Maine’s roads and bridges” and over $100 million for high-speed internet. “Strong infrastructure and economic opportunities make for strong communities.”
Decrease. Voted against a “Blue Economy Task Force” to support development and preservation of ocean resources in Maine. Has called for an audit of federal agencies to reduce wasteful government spending. Opposes regulation on small business.
Likely no. Voted against the Parents Bill of Rights, legislation requiring school districts to post information about curricula, provide parents with book lists. Voted to fund community schools and family engagement centers, hire parent coordinators, and prohibit bans on school books.
Yes. Supported a bill to place a Parents Bill of Rights on a ballot in Maine as a constitutional amendment. Supported a bill allowing parents to withdraw their children from classes where “controversial viewpoints” are being taught.
Mostly tighten. Sponsored legislation permanently funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Voted against repealing parts of the Clean Air Act. Voted to ban oil and gas drilling off Maine’s coast. Voted to block states from imposing stronger car emission standards.
Likely loosen. Voted to prohibit local governments from restricting use of fossil fuels. Opposed banning fishing tackle with lead to protect birds from lead poisoning.
Tighten. Called for background check improvements, safe storage programs, and emergency protection orders. After the 2023 Lewistown mass shooting, changed his position on assault weapons and urged Congress to ban assault rifles. “It’s not easy to admit being wrong. But I was.” Voted for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
Loosen. “I’ll always – always – defend your 2nd Amendment rights.” Opposed establishing background checks in Maine. Opposed banning rapid-fire modification devices. Opposed a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases. “There are so many more threats to our 2nd Amendment rights out there.”
Increase. Supported bills to expand Medicare, including adding dental, hearing, and vision care. Supported a bill allowing states to use full federal funding for Medicaid expansion. Introduced a bill to, he says, “punish Big Pharma” for high drug prices by “limiting monopoly periods.” “A staunch defender of the Affordable Care Act.”
Mixed. Voted against establishing a commission to make recommendations on establishing universal health care in Maine. Voted against a plan to reduce prescription drug costs by requiring reference-based pricing. Sponsored a bill to establish a rural health services task force in Maine. Says will oppose cuts to Medicare.
Supports the 2024 bipartisan border security bill. Introduced a bill to restore the Trump “Remain in Mexico” policy and give border patrol expulsion authority. Voted to fund 22,000 border patrol agents. Seeks “an orderly, predictable process for those entering the country legally.”
Easier. “I’m all in for federal policies that will strengthen unions.” “The right to bargain for fair wages and humane working conditions is a bright red line for me.” Sponsored the PRO Act, which would strengthen collective bargaining and protect organizing rights.
Harder. Voted against expanding public employees’ collective bargaining rights. Voted for a “right to work” bill, in which employees at a unionized business are allowed to not pay union dues. Voted against easing the process for fining labor violations and against increasing enforcement on wage theft
Expand. Sponsored the Equality Act, to prohibit discrimination protection based on sexual orientation and gender identity. “I’m proud to stand up for the rights of LGBTQ Mainers.”
Mostly limit. Voted against protecting gender-affirming health care providers and giving access to gender-affirming care for some Maine teens. Opposed letting marriage certificates reflect gender changes. Supported allowing a third gender option on state forms.
Mixed. Voted against Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan, saying the income eligibility threshold was too high. Sponsored a bill to improve the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for teachers, nurses, first responders.
No position found.
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