📰 YORK COUNTY | Chenette announces re-election bid for County Commissioner; will seek a second four-year term in 2026

January 6, 2026, In a press release sent to the Biddeford Buzz, York County Commissioner Justin Chenette has announced he will seek a second four-year term in the 2026 election for District 3 (Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Hollis, and Buxton).

Justin Chenette (submitted photo)

Chenette is the first millennial and first openly LGBTQ+ individual ever elected to the commission and was selected by his fellow commissioners to serve a term as vice chair.

“Since taking office, county government has become more relevant, visible, impactful, and accountable to the public,” says Chenette. “County government is no longer the lost level of government it had been. I’m proud of the leadership we’ve been able to provide on issues around food insecurity, coastal erosion, public safety, substance use recovery, and transparency.”

Chenette cites efforts to save the York County Food Pantry, operationalize a county-run dredge program, construct the first responders training center, fund body cameras for deputies, outfit patrol cruisers with lifesaving defibrillators, create a new county website, and pass the first-ever pride proclamations as key accomplishments.

In the past year, Chenette has been recognized for his public leadership, being awarded Maine County Commissioner of the Month by the Spirit of America Foundation, the Distinguished Alumni Award by the University of Maine at Augusta, and the 40 Under 40 award by Mainebiz.

Chenette will be collecting signatures to get on the ballot with other Democratic officials with two petition drive events planned at the Saco Scoop Sunday Jan. 11th from 2-4PM and Saturday Jan. 17th from 10AM to Noon.

The Primary Election is set for June 9th and the General Election is set for November 3rd.