John Henkelman

John Henkelman is a scientist from Sanford running to flip a seat in the Maine House in November. From kayaking the length of the Hudson to raise awareness of the river’s health, to protecting local parks on the Sanford Recreation Advisory Board, to serving as a Registered Maine Guide, John has dedicated himself to the preservation of public lands and resources. In Sanford, John is working to protect his community from the development of data centers, experimental PFAS remediation facilities, and investment bank takeovers of mobile home communities.

This year, District 143’s Republican representative is retiring from the legislature, leaving an open seat and what could be one of the most competitive races in the state. John is ready, with the support of the DLCC, to flip this seat and expand Democrats’ majority in the Maine House.

2026 is a historic opportunity to protect and expand the Democratic majorities in the Maine House and Senate.

Democrats have held a majority in the Maine Senate since 2018 and in the House since 2012. Despite a tough year for Democrats nationwide in 2024, the DLCC’s work in Maine helped ensure the state legislature stayed blue. Since then, Democrats have built momentum with special election wins and impressive candidate recruitment across the state, and this November, we aren’t taking a single hard-won district for granted as we approach the tightly contested midterms.

The DLCC has been on the ground in Maine cycle after cycle to support state Democrats as we work to defend and expand our majorities in both chambers of the legislature. 2026 is a critical year to win competitive races and ensure Democratic majorities in the legislature can continue to deliver for the people of Maine.