Hon. Brian Langley Announces Candidacy for State Senate

Langley to seek recently vacated seat; special election scheduled for June 14th

Ellsworth - Hon. Brian Langley, a chef, restaurant owner, educator, and former legislator, has announced he is running for Senate District 7. Senate District 7 consists of numerous towns in Hancock County as well as the Knox County town of Isle au Haut. 

“For me, public service has always been about improving conditions for my community in the present while building a brighter future for our younger generation. To achieve that and find solutions to the complex issues facing our state right now, we need people in government who have been on the ground dealing directly with the numerous challenges of the last two years,” said Langley. I’m again stepping forward to serve because I have been there, on the ground, running a small business - a restaurant - and working alongside other small business owners as we all found ways to be creative and pivot our operations so we could survive and keep providing jobs in our communities.”

In addition to his experience as a chef and owner of Union River Lobster Pot, Langley also has decades of experience as an educator, with a particular focus on career and technical education. 

In his previous legislative terms, Langley served as Chair of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee and also served terms as a member of the Marine Resources Committee; the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee; and the Taxation Committee. He has previously served one term in the Maine House of Representatives and four terms in the Maine Senate.

As a legislator, Langley has been widely respected for his diligent research into issues as well as his willingness to collaborate in order to best serve his constituents and establish policies to benefit the entire state of Maine. 

“The way I approach the legislative process is to look past the rhetoric and find the threads of truth in the information presented to legislators, whether by citizens, experts, or my colleagues, and then use that information alongside my research and experiences to weave good public policy. It all starts with listening and having respectful, productive conversations,” said Langley.

Langley and his wife, Jane, reside in Ellsworth. They have two grown children and three grandchildren.

“Brian Langley is respected in his community, in Augusta, and throughout Maine for his commitment to public service, education, and willingness to work hard and collaborate. He has extensive experience in education and business, as well as common sense and a serious commitment to getting the job done. I’m excited he’s running for senate, and look forward to once again serving with him,” said Senate Republican Leader Jeff Timberlake (R-Androscoggin). 

Residents of District 7 will have the opportunity to vote in a special election to fill the vacant state senate seat on June 14th, 2022.

Representative Mike Perkins To Run For Maine State Senate

Oakland - State Representative Mike Perkins (R-Oakland) today announced that he will be running for the Maine Senate to represent the people of District 16. Perkins had been a candidate for Maine’s Second Congressional District, but has opted to run for Maine Senate to continue serving his community in the Maine Legislature.

“I am grateful to those who supported my congressional run, and I value all of the conversations I had with folks on the campaign trail. However, I’ve come to the decision that I would like to work for my community in the Maine Senate, where I believe I can have more of a direct impact on policy that will get Maine on the right track,” said Rep. Perkins. “Mainers need people at the State House who understand the challenges they’re facing. I do - I’ve worked any job I had to in order to earn a living, and my goal is to make it easier for my friends and neighbors to support their families and enjoy life in this beautiful state without the government telling them what to do at every turn.”

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Rep. Perkins has worked both as a full-time police officer in Oakland and as a patrol deputy for the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department. Currently, he is a school bus driver/safety director for RSU 18 and also owns the KMD Driving School. He has also worked as a truck driver, worked on a farm, and mowed lawns to earn a living.

Rep. Perkins was first elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 2016 as the representative for District 77, Sidney and Oakland. During his three terms in the House he has served on the Transportation Committee and currently serves as the committee’s ranking Republican representative. In addition to his legislative service, Rep. Perkins has also served his community as a member of the Oakland Town Council. He has chaired the council for over a decade.

“Mike is a down-to-Earth Mainer who works hard every day to help improve his community and his state. I worked with him in the Maine House, and I’ll be very glad to work with him again in the Maine Senate. His commonsense approach and his lifetime of practical experience will make him an excellent State Senator,” said Senate Republican Leader Jeff Timberlake (R-Androscoggin).

“I’ve been very fortunate to have Rep. Perkins as an ally in working for the people of Kennebec County in the legislature and I know he will be an outstanding state senator,” said Assistant Senate Republican Leader Matt Pouliot (R-Kennebec). “He’s a tireless advocate for working Mainers and brings a valuable perspective and approach to legislative policy debates. I look forward to having him join us in the Senate.”

Senate District 16 consists of the Kennebec County municipalities of Albion, Oakland, Waterville, Winslow, and the Somerset County municipality of Fairfield.

Gary Plummer Announces Candidacy for Maine State Senate

Windham - Hon. Gary Plummer will be running for the Maine Senate District 26. A retired teacher, Plummer has previously served his community in both the Maine House and Maine Senate. Senate District 26, newly created during the reapportionment process, consists of the municipalities of Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, and Windham, as well as part of Westbrook.

“I was raised here in Cumberland County, raised my family here, and taught school here for thirty three years. I care deeply about this community and its future, and the future of all of Maine. Returning to the State House is an opportunity to work on your behalf, and make sure that you, your children and grandchildren have a strong community and a strong state in which to live for generations to come,” said Plummer. “Collaboration, finding solutions, drawing on my experience, and simply doing what makes sense for the people I represent is how I plan to tackle the tough issues facing our state.”

First elected to the House in 2004, Plummer served four terms representing the people of Windham before his election to the Senate in 2012. In the Senate, he represented the people of Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, Standish, Windham, and Hollis. Throughout his legislative service, Plummer was a member of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and also served as the committee’s Chair.

A lifelong resident of Windham, Plummer has served his community as a member of the Town Council for three terms and as a Cumberland County Commissioner for twenty two years. He has also been involved with Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors, the Windham Historical Society, the Windham Rotary Garden Club, and the Cumberland County Civic Center Board of Trustees.

“Gary has a long track record of effective, dedicated service at the state and community level. His common sense approach and his experience are needed at the State House as we tackle the tough issues that are affecting Mainers. I look forward to having Senator Plummer at the State House again,” said Senate Republican Leader Jeff Timberlake (R-Androscoggin).

Plummer resides in Windham with his wife, Betty, and share a blended family of five children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

David Corbett Announces Candidacy for Maine State Senate

Lyman - David Corbett has announced he is running for the Maine State Senate District 32 seat. The district includes the towns of Biddeford, Arundel, Dayton, Lyman, and Hollis in York County.

“I’m running for Senate to be a strong voice for my community and the people who feel they are being left behind by current policies in Augusta,” said Corbett. “We need to turn this state around, get people back to work, and make it a place where people want to stay to raise their families and start businesses. In the Senate, I’ll be a strong voice for our freedoms and against government overreach, and a voice for commonsense policies.”

Corbett has an extensive law enforcement background. He has served as a Transport Officer, Road Deputy, and Corrections Officer for the York County Sheriff’s Office and as a Police Officer in both Biddeford and Saco. He has also worked as a criminal justice professor and served as a Judicial Marshal and a Court Mediator.

He is a graduate of several programs of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, including the Basic School, the Juvenile Justice Academy, the Reserve School, the Corrections School, and the FBI Criminal Investigations School. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Southern Maine and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Golden Gate University.

Corbett is currently the pastor of Oak Ridge Bible Church in Biddeford. In addition to his service as a pastor and his law enforcement career, Corbett has also been a lobsterman, fishing out of Camp Ellis.

Corbett and his wife, Sylvia, reside in Lyman.

“I’m glad to have David running for the Senate. His proud career in law enforcement shows his strong commitment to serving his community and also gives him an important understanding of some of the most difficult issues facing our state. As we tackle many tough issues in the years ahead, David will be a valuable member of the Senate,” said Senate Republican Leader Jeff Timberlake.

Jules Rakic Announces Candidacy for Maine State Senate

Kittery Point- Jules Rakic, a small business owner and mother of two has announced she is running for Maine Senate District 35. The district includes the York County towns of Eliot, Kittery, Ogunquit, South Berwick, and York.

“Running for office was not a decision I made lightly, but community involvement is so important and right now I believe that we need fresh perspectives in Augusta to help us get Maine on the right track,” said Rakic. “As a small business owner and mother, I understand the challenges that people in Maine are facing. From our education system to affordable housing to the workforce shortage and government spending, there are many issues that need to be tackled with a commonsense approach and an understanding of how policy impacts average Maine families. I look forward to having conversations about these, and many other issues, with the people I meet on the campaign trail in York County over the next several months.”

Among the reasons Rakic decided to run for office was her experience with remote schooling her children during the 2020 school year. This experience helped her understand the strengths and weaknesses in the education system. Rakic is also committed to working in favor of policies that promote trades education and bolster local businesses.

Rakic has been a self-employed small business owner for over two decades, working as a hairstylist and a realtor. She is a member of the York County Council of the Maine Association of Realtors and the New Hampshire Seacoast Board of Realtors. Rakic volunteers her time at the local soup kitchen and with the women’s charitable group at her church. She is also a member of the Museums of Old York and the Kittery Historical and Naval Museum.

A tenth-generation Mainer, Rakic grew up in the Biddeford-Saco-OOB area and is a graduate of Biddeford High School. She and her husband of 15 years, Stojan, reside in Kittery and have two school-age children. Stojan is an immigrant from Yugoslavia, and Rakic cites his family’s story and their perseverance in starting life anew in Maine as a constant reminder of the importance of our freedoms and the beauty of life in Maine.

“Jules has lived the challenges of the everyday Mainer for years. From running a small business to, more recently, remote schooling her children, she gets what Maine families are dealing with. Her voice will be a valuable addition to the Maine Senate and I look forward to working with her,” said Senate Republican Leader Jeff Timberlake (R-Androscoggin).

Former State Representative Abden Simmons Announces State Senate Candidacy

Waldoboro - Abden Simmons has announced he will be seeking the Maine Senate District 13 seat. The district includes all towns in Lincoln County, as well as Windsor in Kennebec County and Washington in Knox County.

“The working people of Maine are hurting right now. The industries and small businesses that have been the foundation of our state’s economy and our communities are facing challenge after challenge. I’m running for Senate to help turn this trend around and give our state a chance for a brighter future where families can trust that their children and grandchildren will be able to make a living and be part of a thriving community,” said Simmons.

Simmons has been a shellfish harvester for three decades and has operated A&A Shellfish, a buying station for clams, for twenty-five years. He is also an elver fisherman and spent more than 20 years inshore fishing and working as a sternman.

A graduate of Medomak Valley High School, Simmons also has a long history of involvement in the community. He is currently a Waldoboro Selectman and has served as Chair of the Selectboard for the past two years. For six years, he served on the town’s Planning Board. In 2016, his community elected Simmons to serve the people of Friendship, Waldoboro, Washington, and part of Union in the Maine House of Representatives. While in the House he served as a member of the Marine Resources Committee.

Simmons is also active in the fishing and harvesting community, serving as Executive Director of the Maine Elver Fisherman Association and as Chair of the Waldoboro Shellfish Committee. He also serves on the Department of Marine Resources Advisory Council and was formerly a member of Maine’s Shellfish Advisory Council as well as the state’s task force on invasive European green crabs.

Simmons and his wife, April, have one son, Dalton, who is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

“We need more people like Abden in the Senate who understand what working families are going through, what small businesses are dealing with, and how important it is to get Maine on a better path. I was glad to work with him in the House, and I will be glad to work with him in the Senate,” said Senate Republican Leader Jeff Timberlake (R-Androscoggin).

Senator Brad Farrin Announces Re-election Bid

Norridgewock - Senator Brad Farrin has announced he will be running for re-election to the Maine Senate in 2022. He will be running to represent parts of Somerset, Kennebec, and Penobscot Counties in the new Senate District Three.

“Mainers need people in Augusta who are willing to fight for the future of our state,” said Senator Farrin. “As your State Senator, my first priority is always to be a voice for you, your families and your needs and priorities. Rural Maine and hardworking families need strong voices at the State House, and I’m ready to go back to the Senate for another term and make sure communities like ours don’t get left behind.”

A veteran, Senator Farrin was the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Maine Air National Guard before retiring in 2013 as its highest-ranking enlisted airman, serving nearly three decades. He deployed to Iraq in 2008 in Operation Iraqi Freedom and to the Horn of Africa in 2009 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He has more than 18 major awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit and the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal.

Senator Farrin is currently the Corporate Facilities Manager for Milton CAT.

Prior to his election to the Maine Senate in 2018, Senator Farrin served two terms in the Maine House of Representatives. During his time in the Legislature Senator Farrin has served on the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee and the Transportation Committee. He has also served on the Marijuana Advisory Commission, the MDOT Public Transportation Advisory Committee, the Transportation Working Group on Climate Change, and is the Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Legislative Veterans Caucus.

Senator Farrin grew up in Somerset County and now lives in Norridgewock with his wife, Lynn. He has a long history of involvement in the community. He served as a captain with the Norridgewock Fire Department until 2004 and is a proud member of the American Legion, the VFW, and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard and Air Force Sergeants Association.

“Throughout his life, Senator Farrin has served his country, state, and community. It’s clear to anyone who works with him in the Legislature how much he cares about his community and how hard he works to serve the people he represents,” said Senate Republican Leader Jeff Timberlake (R-Androscoggin). “Having him back in the Maine Senate for another term will be a great thing for the state of Maine.”

Due to redistricting, Senate District Three will have a new makeup following the 2022 election. Senator Farrin will be running to serve the Kennebec County municipalities of Benton, Clinton, and Unity Township; the Penobscot County municipalities of Dixmont, Etna, Newport, Plymouth, and Stetson; and the Somerset County towns of Canaan, Detroit, Madison, Norridgewock, Palmyra, Pittsfield, and Skowhegan.

State Representative Jeff Hanley Announces Run for Maine Senate

Pittston - State Representative Jeff Hanley (R-Pittston) will be running for the Maine State Senate in 2022. A retired electrician, Rep. Hanley has been elected to four terms in the Maine House representing towns in Kennebec and Lincoln Counties.

“I’m running for Senate to keep working for a stronger Maine. Through my work in the trades, through the conversations I have with people in the community, through seeing what my children and grandchildren are dealing with, I know very well the issues and struggles that people in our state are facing,” said Rep. Hanley. “Workforce shortages, high tax burdens, seemingly ever-increasing government regulations and oversight in many areas - these are just some of the policy areas I intend to keep focusing on. And, I will keep working to make the State House run more like your house - we need to have responsible spending and budgeting in our state government.”

In addition to working as an electrician before retirement, Rep. Hanley held several other positions in the trades. He began his career as a welder at Bath Iron Works before moving to the construction industry, then worked for a time as a welder and pipe-fitter at Sappi Fine Paper in Skowhegan.

Rep. Hanley and his wife, Sally, reside in Pittston, where he has a long history of community involvement. He is a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and a member of the local Knights of Columbus. An avid outdoorsman, Rep. Hanley is a member of the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine, the Lincoln County Rifle Club, the Wiscasset Rifle Club, and the Gardiner Sports Club.

During his time serving in the Maine House of Representatives Rep. Hanley has served on the Taxation Committee; the Environment and Natural Resources Committee; and also served for four years on the Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee.

“I worked with Rep. Hanley in the House and respect him and his legislative work. His focus is always on his community and doing what’s right by the people he represents. I’m glad Rep. Hanley is running for Senate and look forward to working with him again and seeing what he accomplishes for the people of Maine as a Senator,” said Senate Republican Leader Jeff Timberlake (R-Androscoggin).

“Rep. Hanley has always been an outstanding advocate for our communities in Kennebec County. I look forward to having him join us in the Senate and know he will be a strong voice for our region and commonsense policies that benefit the state as a whole,” said Assistant Senate Republican Leader Matt Pouliot (R-Kennebec).

Senate District 14 includes the Kennebec County municipalities of Chelsea, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, Wayne, West Gardiner, and Winthrop. Wayne was added to the district during the 2021 reapportionment process.

Senator Russell Black Announces Re-Election Bid

Wilton - Senator Russell Black (R-Franklin) will be seeking a third term in the Maine Senate. Senator Black currently represents District 17; but due to redistricting he will be running for District 5, which now encompasses towns in Franklin, Somerset, and Kennebec Counties.

“From serving on the Select Board to serving in the State Senate, my priority is always to speak up for the people I represent. Maine needs policies that help our working families and build a strong future for the entire state,” said Senator Black. “I’m running for re-election to be able to keep speaking up for rural Maine, for working families, and to make sure our region is strongly represented in every decision that is made in Augusta.”

A farmer and a logger, Sen. Black owns and operates Black Acres Farm in Wilton. His farm specializes in raising grass-fed beef cattle and maple syrup production.

Sen.Black is a lifelong resident of Wilton and a graduate of Mt. Blue High School. He has always been deeply involved in the community. He served as a Wilton town selectman for nine years, on the planning board for 19 years, as a director and past president of the Wilton Lions Club, as past president of the Mt. Blue High School All Sports Boosters, as a member of the Wilton Fish and Game Club, as a past USDA farm service committee member, director and past vice president of the Franklin County Farm Bureau, and director of the Farmington Farmers Union. He is a member of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine and Maine Woodland Owners.

Prior to his election to the Senate, Sen. Black served his community and surrounding towns as the State Representative for District 114. While in the legislature he has served on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. While in the House, he served as the Ranking Member of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee.

Senator Black and his wife Susan have been married for 50 years. Together they share four children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

“Russell’s practical experience, common sense, and true commitment to public service makes him a strong, effective advocate for the people he represents. He’s never afraid to dive into tough problems and come up with solutions. I’m glad to have another farmer in the Senate, and all of Maine is fortunate to have him serving. I look forward to serving with Senator Black for another term,” said Senate Republican Leader Jeff Timberlake (R-Androscoggin).

The new Senate District 5 includes the Franklin County municipalities of Carrabassett Valley, Chesterville, East Central Franklin UT, Farmington, Industry, Kingfield, New Sharon, New Vineyard, Strong, Wilton, Wyman Township; the Kennebec County municipalities of Rome and Vienna; and the Somerset County municipalities of Anson, Athens, Bingham, Brighton Plantation, Cambridge, Caratunk, Central Somerset UT, Cornville, Dennistown Plantation, Embden, Harmony, Hartland, Highland Plantation, Jackman, Mercer, Moose River, Moscow, New Portland, Northeast Somerset UT, Northwest Somerset UT, Pleasant Ridge Plantation, Ripley, Saint Albans, Seboomook Lake UT, Smithfield, Solon, Starks, The Forks Plantation, and West Forks Plantation.

Senator Jeff Timberlake Announces Re-election Run

Turner - Senator Jeff Timberlake (R-Androscoggin) has announced he will be running for another term in the Maine Senate. He currently serves as the leader of the Senate Republican caucus and is a strong voice in Augusta for working Mainers and rural Maine.

“As a farmer and a business owner, I deal every single day with the same issues so many Mainers are dealing with - workforce shortages, the rapidly rising cost of doing business, the burdens on employers, and more. I’m running for re-election so I can keep using my practical, real experience with these issues to help get things on the right path for Mainers,” said Senator Timberlake. “I will always be proud to stand up and speak strongly in support of rural Mainers and working families.”

Sen. Timberlake is a co-owner of Ricker Hill Orchards, an eighth-generation family farm. He and his family also own multiple businesses including Northland TrueValue.

A resident of Turner, Sen. Timberlake has long been involved in serving his community. He served as a fireman for the town of Turner for thirty-seven years, as Chairman of the Turner Planning Board for sixteen years, and as Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for two years. He is currently a member of the Kora Shrine, Nezinscot Lodge, and the Turner Ridge Riders.

Prior to serving in the Maine Senate, Sen. Timberlake was elected to four terms in the Maine House of Representatives. During that time, he served on the Appropriations Committee and the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, giving him key opportunities to influence state spending decisions and advocate for lower spending and tax cuts, as well as work on policies that affect important Maine industries and our outdoor heritage. In 2012, he served on the Maine Economic Development Committee. He currently serves on the Government Oversight Committee.

Sen. Timberlake is a graduate of Leavitt Area High School and Central Maine Community College. He and his wife, Joline, have been married for over forty years. They have one child and two grandchildren.

Due to redistricting, Senator Timberlake will be running for Senate District 17 instead of the current District 22. The new district encompasses the Androscoggin County municipalities of Greene, Leeds, Lisbon, Livermore, Livermore Falls, Sabattus, Turner, and Wales as well as the Kennebec County towns of Fayette and Litchfield.