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.
