House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) indicated on Thursday, September 3, 2026, that the Democratic caucus will not pursue disciplinary measures against Reps. Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.). The two lawmakers voted earlier in the week to support a Republican-led procedural rule, a move that initially drew calls for their removal from committee assignments.
Jeffries and other Democratic leaders had described the lawmakers' actions on Tuesday as a significant breach of trust that required a significant response. By Thursday, Jeffries stated he had met with Gluesenkamp Perez and that they agreed to focus on shared priorities. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), the senior Democrat on the Rules Committee, also met with Gluesenkamp Perez on Wednesday.
Jeffries cited the importance of maintaining party unity. Gluesenkamp Perez represents a battleground district in Washington state that Donald Trump won in 2024. Rep. Golden, who also represents a district won by Trump, is retiring at the conclusion of the current term.
By declining to strip Reps. Jared Golden and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of their committee seats, leadership is prioritizing the retention of two members who represent districts won by the opposing party's presidential candidate. Jeffries noted that rank-and-file members will continue to discuss potential changes to internal caucus rules for future sessions.
The focus of the caucus shifts toward the November midterm elections and the subsequent Speaker of the House vote in January.
In unrelated news, Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman were killed in a shooting at their home in June 2025. The suspect, Vance Boelter, surrendered to police on Sunday, June 15, 2025, and faces federal charges of murder and stalking. The family's dog, Gilbert, also died following injuries sustained in the attack, according to the non-profit Helping Paws. Boelter is also accused of wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. An attorney from the federal public defender's office was appointed to represent Boelter, who is being held without bail.