Jared Golden won't seek reelection in blow to House Democrats

Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) said Wednesday that he will not seek reelection to Congress in 2026, citing "frequent threats" against him and the "grim milestone" of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

Why it matters: Golden represents the most Republican-leaning district of any House Democrat. His retirement is a major blow to his party's efforts to retake the House in 2026.

Go deeper (1 min. read)

Rep. Jared Golden at the US Capitol on July 23, 2024. Photo: Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Alex Thompson,

Holly Otterbein1 hour ago

Politics & Policy

Possible Dem presidential contenders jostle over election results

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is shown speaking in front of a "CADEM" backdrop and a California state flag.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom celebrates voters' approval Tuesday of Proposition 50, the Newsom-back redistricting plan aimed at giving Democrats more U.S. House seats. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Potential Democratic presidential candidates already are using the party's election victories to position themselves for the 2028 primary — throwing elbows at possible primary opponents and basking in Tuesday's results.

Why it matters: No one admits it, but the next presidential primary is already in motion for Democrats.

Go deeper (2 min. read)

Andrew Solender

1 hour ago

Politics & Policy

The DCCC isn't ruling out playing in Democratic primaries

Suzan DelBene, wearing a maroon suit jacket, speaks in front of two blue flags against a black wall.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair Suzan DelBene speaks at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 8. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

The chair of House Democrats' campaign arm on Wednesday didn't rule out putting her finger on the scale in key battleground district primaries next year.

Why it matters: Such primary meddling has been the source of public tension in past election cycles, but Democratic leaders maintain their right to try to elevate their preferred candidates.

Go deeper (1 min. read}

April Rubin

3 hours ago

Politics & Policy

Trump still mum on former VP Cheney's death

Trump ascends stairs with a blue sky in the background

President Trump boards Air Force One on Nov. 5 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Photo: Kevin Dietsch

President Trump has not publicly remarked on the death of former Vice President Dick Cheney more than 24 hours after it was announced.

Why it matters: His lack of comment furthers Trump's departure from presidential conventions. Traditionally, sitting presidents, including Trump, quickly offer condolences to the family after a former president or vice president dies.

Go deeper (1 min. read) Sam Sabin

7 hours ago

Technology
AI-powered malware is here
Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
Google security researchers have identified what they say is the first known case of hackers using AI-powered malware in a real-world cyberattack, according to findings published Wednesday.

Why it matters: The discovery suggests adversarial hackers are moving closer to operationalizing generative AI to supercharge their attacks.
Go deeper (2 min. read

Google adds Gemini chatbot to Maps

Megan Morrone

Three smartphones show a sushi restaurant at the top of wooden stairs with a 4.6-star rating. Voice assistant queries about the place's popularity and vibe appear on screen. — Screenshots: Google

Google is adding its Gemini chatbot to Maps, letting users get chatty with their navigation app across Android, iOS and their cars.

Why it matters: Nearly three years since ChatGPT's explosive launch, the tech giants are now banking on the idea that everyone wants a chatbot everywhere.