WASHINGTON — Today, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) announced two 2024 Spotlight candidates in Maine running to flip seats and strengthen the Democratic majority in the Senate.
The Spotlight candidates unveiled today are:
- Rep. Raegan LaRochelle (SD-15) – Rep. Raegan LaRochelle is a small business owner and economic development consultant running for the Maine Senate. In her previous election, Raegan flipped a competitive House district blue, and now she’s ready to repeat that success in the Senate. Raegan has used her time in the legislature to push for economic development that lifts up all Mainers, including those often left behind, such as working families, veterans, and elders.
- Bettyann Sheats (SD-20) – Former Rep. Bettyann Sheats is a small business owner and former U.S. Army helicopter pilot running for the Maine Senate to flip her district blue. Bettyann is an experienced leader who takes an active role in her community and constantly strives to find common ground on issues facing Mainers by listening to their diverse perspectives. Whether it’s pushing to keep toxic chemicals out of consumer products, fighting for infrastructure improvements, or advocating for access to health care, Bettyann is ready to continue standing up for the rights of her constituents.
The DLCC defended both chambers of the Maine Legislature in 2022 to maintain the state’s Democratic trifecta, empowering the Democratic-led legislature to pass legislation to strengthen health care access and expand abortion access. Maine is a shining example of what happens when Democratic trifectas are in charge.
This announcement continues the momentum of DLCC’s “Summer of the States” campaign, which launched last week to call attention to the critical window to build the infrastructure for Democrats to push past Republican efforts and boost our chances for victory in November. These strong Maine candidates join hundreds of candidates who are mounting inspiring campaigns in every corner of the country to build Democratic power and counter MAGA control of state legislatures.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is proud to announce our Spotlight candidates for the Maine Senate, whose races are crucial for defending Democratic power. Legislative victories in Maine have protected a slate of fundamental freedoms, and these candidates are challenging GOP incumbents to strengthen Democratic majorities and protect Mainers from a dangerous Republican agenda.
“The DLCC’s Spotlight program uplifts some of the best opportunities to build and cement Democratic power, and we’re thrilled to continue our momentum from our ‘Summer of the States’ campaign with the announcement of these champions of fundamental freedoms. Mounting strong campaigns to fight GOP extremism is what the DLCC does best, and the victories of these candidates will help Maine remain an outstanding example of Democratic achievement.”
The DLCC is the official arm of the Democratic Party with the sole mission of building Democratic power in the states and setting the national agenda at the state level. Over the last decade, we have fought cycle-over-cycle to gain a dozen new legislative chamber majorities and we are leading the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
