The news this week shows a sharp split in how Democrats handle their own. In New York, an outgoing lawmaker just threw his support behind a Republican. In Texas, a nominee quit her race after a past crime came to light. These are not small details. They tell you exactly where the party stands today.
Outgoing Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat from Maine, wrote an opinion piece backing his colleague Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York. Golden states that the nation requires fewer individuals treating Congress as a stage and more who view it as labor. He called Lawler a “true partner” and a friend to fishing families. Lawler responded on X, calling it an honor to accept the endorsement of his friend.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to accept the endorsement of my friend, Democratic Congressman Jared Golden,” Lawler said, according to Fox News. He added that what is best for the people should come before party lines. This is a rare public move that puts common sense over party loyalty.
While Golden backs a rival, another Democrat in Texas could not stay in the race. Ericka Lomick, the nominee for House District 93, suspended her campaign on Monday. A political action committee found her federal felony conviction for mortgage fraud. The record shows she admitted guilt in 2011 to bank fraud and money-laundering conspiracy. She got a 63-month prison sentence.
BREAKING: Ericka Lomick, the Democratic nominee for Texas House District 93, has SUSPENDED her campaign after news of her criminal history surfaced.
Ericka was previously convicted of mortgage fraud in North Carolina and was sentenced to over 5 years in prison.
Democrats… pic.twitter.com/PSKVjxzUuy
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 21, 2026
Lomick had told the Fort Worth Report she was never convicted of a crime. That claim was false. Federal court records show she was charged in North Carolina and pleaded guilty. Generally, Texas law makes a person convicted of a felony ineligible to run for office. Her exit leaves Republican Alan Blaylock as the likely winner.
“Although this was not an easy decision, I am convinced that it was the right one for the people of HD 93,” Lomick said, according to Breitbart. She chose to step aside so voters would not face attacks that would derail the business of the people. Blaylock informed Texas Scorecard that she faced a rush to file and lacked preparation for the race.
The contrast is stark and it is happening right now. One Democrat sees that working across the aisle is the only way to get things done. Another Democrat tried to hide a serious crime until the truth came out. We need leaders who tell the truth and put the job first.
Former National Security Council director Cait Conley is now the main challenger to Lawler. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is already backing her. But the Texas story shows a pattern of rushing candidates into office without proper checks. Even though she quit, Lomick remains listed as the nominee by The Texas Democratic Party.
This cycle has seen a string of issues for Democrats. A Senate candidate voted five times using his parents’ address. One other candidate bragged about assisting a convicted child predator in posting bail. These are not accidents. They show a party that is rushing to fill seats without checking the records.
When a member of your own party admits they were wrong, you should listen. Golden urges us to locate members who pass laws alongside the other party and maintain them. That is a message we should all hear. The people in New York and Texas have a clear choice this fall.
