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. Locally, he also serves as a mayoral appointee on the Saco Long-Range Planning Committee, helping to chart the city’s future. 

​​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.

Justin works to help keep young people in Maine as the Program Director for the Worthington Scholarship Foundation, providing college scholarships for those attending Maine colleges. 

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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!

Get the Book

Available in Kindle & physical editions

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. ​

All proceeds benefit college scholarships!

Get the Book

Former Senator appointed
​to new Saco committee

​Excited to announce that I’ve officially been appointed to the newly formed Saco Long-Range Planning Committee! It’s critical that we make decisions today with an eye towards our city’s future.

The Mayor and the city council have taken an important step to ensure we are constantly thinking about the direction we’d like to take as a community. Looking forward to working alongside city and school staff, local organizational leaders, and fellow community members to chart what comes next for a place we all love so much.

Through public input and transparent strategic planning, we can ensure Saco is the place to be for future generations to live, work, and play. The goal will be to continue improving Saco through effective growth management, responsible economic development, and carefully considered infrastructure improvements, among other things. Appreciate Mayor Doyle’s trust in me and for the unanimous vote of confidence from the City Council. Looking forward to bringing my public service a little closer to home. 

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Mayoral Certificate of Service

Thank you to Saco Mayor Bill Doyle for recognizing our efforts at Saco Main Street to feed those in need with a Certificate of Service from the city. Pictured here alongside Executive Director Rob Biggs. Over the course of 13 weeks, we helped coordinate relief efforts with various groups, fundraised, and served more than 3,000 hot meals while keeping our local small businesses afloat. While being recognized isn't necessary, I hope through our example we can spread a hopeful and positive message that our community is in this together and we are there for one another in times of need now and always.
Photo: Andrew Dickinson/City of Saco

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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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