Lincoln County Election Results: Democrats and Incumbents Secure Key Victories

Lincoln County voters favored incumbents and Democratic candidates at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3. In the most decisive local victory, Sen. Cameron Reny, D-Bristol, defeated challenger Edwin “Win” Mitchell Jr., I-Boothbay, 13,686-7,730 to earn a third term representing Senate District 13, according to unofficial results.

Key Incumbent Victories

Reny was one of five incumbents who successfully secured reelection, joining Sen. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, Rep. Wayne Farrin, D-Jefferson, Rep. Michael Lemelin, R-Chelsea, and Katrina Smith, R-Palermo. Tepler was reelected to represent Senate District 24, which consists of Dresden as well as all of Sagadahoc County. Tepler, who previously served in the Maine House of Representatives from 2014-2022, ran unopposed for her second term. Farrin will also rejoin the Legislature for a second term, having defeated Chester Grover, R-Wiscasset, 2,861-2,585 to represent House District 47, which consists of Alna, Jefferson, Whitefield, and Wiscasset. Lemelin secured a fourth term after defeating challenger Richard Goldman, D-Dresden, 2,583-2,160 to represent House District 53, which consists of Dresden as well as Chelsea, Pittston, and Randolph. For the third election in a row, Smith defeated challenger Pamela Swift, D-Palermo, 2,874-1,871 to continue representing House District 62, which comprises Hibberts Gore and Somerville in Lincoln County, as well as China, Palermo, and Windsor.

Voters Favored Democrats in Open Races

In races in which an incumbent was not seeking reelection, voters favored Democrats, including newcomers Jennifer Mayher, D-Newcastle, and Charlotte Nutt, D-Edgecomb. Clinton Collamore, I-Waldoboro, was the sole independent elected to represent a portion of Lincoln County.

“I am so grateful to my community for once again entrusting me to be our voice in Augusta,” Reny said. “This is my home — it’s where I grew up and where I’m raising my family. Our way of life is special, and I promise to work hard to build a state where our kids and grandkids can thrive.”

“It’s great for democracy for everybody to do it like we do it,” Mitchell said.

“I’m very proud and honored to once again be able to represent the voices of the people of this district,” Tepler said.

“(I am) very excited, I know it was going to be a close race and (I am) just glad to be able to get back to work for the people of Maine,” Farrin said.

“This is a tragic day for Maine and our country,” Lemelin said. “Mainers made their decision and now they have to live with it.”

“I am sincerely grateful to the people of (Senate) District 62 for reelecting me to serve as their state representative,” Smith said. “Based on the overall state numbers, it is certainly going to be an uphill battle for Republicans, but my commitment to the people remains the same. I will fight every day for the families of Maine to give them a safe and successful future.”

Post-Election Remarks

In remarks Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, Mitchell congratulated Reny on her win. Goldman said the vote was “quite competitive,” and he had a wonderful time campaigning. He also congratulated Lemelin on the victory. Swift said that while she is disappointe