According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), Maine 2nd Congressional district is one where young people can have a decisive impact on the results of the election. So, who’s the Democratic candidate and how can young folks get involved?

Meet Jared Golden, born and raised in Leeds, a small rural town in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. He attended public school before enrolling at the University of Maine in 2001. As a freshman, Jared planned to be a high school history teacher but shortly after his first year, the September 11th attacks took place and his life changed. Like so many, Jared felt compelled to act in the wake of the attacks. Both of his grandfathers had served in World War II, and with them in mind, Jared put college on hold and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

Jared served four years in the military as a Marine Corps infantryman, deploying to Afghanistan in 2004, and Iraq in 2005-2006. After completing his military service, Jared left the Marine Corps in honorable standing and moved home to Maine.

Like many veterans, Jared’s transition from military to civilian life was not easy. He took the first job he could find but shortly after, he was forced to pick up a second and then a third job working nights and weekends, just to get by. His transition became even harder when he was informed by the Department of Veterans Affairs that he had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although PTSD was a challenge, Jared was able to overcome it with the support of his friends, family, his community, and hard work.

While his desire to help veterans was a major reason Jared initially ran for office, he also worked passionately on other issues like fighting for union workers, passing legislation for firefighters, police officers, and EMT’s to access workers compensation benefits for work-related post-traumatic stress diagnosis. As a Democratic leader in Augusta, Jared has built a record of success fighting for middle- and working-class people. He has fought for expanded access to healthcare, stronger unions, fairer wages, cleaner energy, better environmental standards, equal rights for women and minorities, and lower prescription medication costs for Maine’s seniors. Jared continues to stand up for his community and has been able to deliver great results to his people.

Jared wants to continue the impactful and effective work he is doing by becoming Maine’s 2nd district congressman. Jared is committed to having your back like he did for his fellow Marines. If you want to get involved with Jared Golden’s great campaign to help flip Maine 2nd, you can sign up to volunteer by clicking here or contact his team by clicking here.

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