THANK YOU!

RESULTS ARE IN…we did it! We carried every town in the district Saco, OOB, Hollis, & Buxton to win this Primary Election!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support of my public service. I’m honored to be your Democratic Nominee for County Commissioner. Shout out to our amazing volunteer team for all their efforts these past 9 months. Couldn’t have done it without them. Onward to November!

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HERE ARE THE RESULTS:

Saco ✓
941 to 207

Old Orchard Beach ✓
445 to 75

Hollis ✓
222 to 25

​Buxton ✓
259 to 58

Meet Justin

Justin Chenette made history in 2012 when, at just 21 years old, he became Maine's youngest lawmaker and the nation’s youngest openly gay legislator. He was sworn into office just a week before graduating from college. Since then, Justin has spent nearly a decade in public office.

​He is a former 4-term Maine lawmaker having served 4 years in the Senate and 4 years in the House of Representatives. Justin’s public service career began in high school at age 17 when Governor John Baldacci appointed him to serve on the Maine State Board of Education, making history as the first student board member.

​He currently serves as a Maine-Canadian Legislative Advisory Commissioner and a member of the Maine Right to Know Advisory Committee, after being appointed by Senate President Troy Jackson in 2021. In these roles, Justin works to strengthen cooperation between Canada and Maine as well as works to improve public access and transparency in government. 

​​Justin is the president and founder of the Maine Democracy Project which works to empower a new generation of voters, advocates, and leaders through civics education, voter registration, and electoral engagement efforts. He is the author of a children’s book entitled The Great Whoopie Pie Debate, aimed at educating students about how their own government works.

Learn more about justin

Former Senator appointed to
​statewide commissions

Here with Senate President Troy Jackson at the State House (2019)

​SACO – Former State Senator Justin Chenette, of Saco, has been appointed to two state commissions by Senate President Troy Jackson based on his recent 8-year stint in the legislature.
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Chenette has been appointed to a 3-year term as a member of the Right to Know Advisory Committee. The committee is an on-going advisory council with oversight authority and responsibility to make recommendations to the Governor, Legislature, Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, and local governments regarding Freedom of Access laws.

“Throughout my legislative career, I’ve fought for a more transparent and accessible government to increase accountability and public engagement in the decision-making process,” says Chenette. “Combine that with my journalism background and I’m fully committed to ensuring we maintain the integrity of our Freedom of Access laws through best practices in providing the public and the press access to records and proceedings.”

Chenette has also been named a Maine-Canadian Legislative Advisory Commissioner to engage in regional cooperation through economic, cultural and educational exchanges. The purpose of this commission is to strengthen the relations between the legislature and their legislative counterparts in Canada.

“Our area relies heavily on Canadian tourism to benefit our local small businesses,” says Chenette. “As commissioner, I hope to bring about further awareness and attention around how we can work together across the border for mutual benefit.”
Both appointments do not require Senate approval and begin immediately. Chenette previously served 2 terms in the House and 2 terms in the Senate and chaired the Government Oversight Committee. ​

New Children's Book!

The Great Whoopie Pie Debate: A Kids' Guide to the Maine Legislature, is a children's book aimed at educating the next generation about how their own state government works.

Written by Justin Chenette, a 4-term state legislator, each page walks through the steps of the legislative process using a real-life illustration of when Maine legislators actually debated the state dessert. This children's book is fun for all ages with a special focus for students in Elementary School grades 1-5.

A perfect resource for students, parents, and teachers alike. ​

Get the Book

Available in Kindle & physical editions

All proceeds benefit college scholarships!

Ethics reform now law!

​My entire legislative career has been about fighting for a government that works best for you. Proud that after years of persistence, I was finally able to get a campaign finance reform package over the finish line that:

• Banned lobbyist contributions to state officials & candidates
• Closed the revolving door of legislators becoming lobbyists
• Ended political action committee (PAC) slush funds

Together we moved the needle on money in politics, lobbyist influence, and created a more ethical state house.

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