Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, endorsed Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., for reelection Monday, urging voters in New York’s 17th Congressional District to return the Republican to the House.

Golden made the endorsement in an op-ed published by the USA TODAY Network. He highlighted several instances in which he and Lawler worked together across party lines, including legislation aimed at protecting Maine’s lobster industry from additional federal regulations.

The Northeast Lobstermen Protection Act, spearheaded by Golden and Lawler, passed the House 219-196 earlier this month. The legislation would extend a pause on new regulations affecting the Northeast lobster and Jonah crab fisheries through 2035.

Golden noted that Lawler represents a New York district with no lobster boats but nevertheless joined the effort to protect Maine’s fishing industry. He also pointed to Lawler’s support for legislation involving collective bargaining rights for federal employees and other bipartisan measures.

“Mike Lawler has been a true partner to me and a friend to fishing families he will never represent,” Golden wrote in the op-ed. He said he “strongly” backs Lawler and encouraged voters to support lawmakers who work across party lines.

Golden announced in 2025 that he would not seek reelection to Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. Lawler is seeking another term representing New York’s 17th District and faces Democratic nominee Cait Conley in the November election.