Maine Democratic Party Chair Bev Uhlenhake Celebrates Electoral Success, Announces Next Steps

Uhlenhake celebrates new Local Organizing Director position, investment in Party infrastructure, and electoral victories; announces she will not seek another term.

Maine Democratic Party Chair Bev Uhlenhake released the following statement:

"Two years ago when I was elected to Chair the Maine Democratic Party, I came into the role with two core beliefs about Democratic campaigns. The first was that when we lead with our core Democratic values, not only do we win elections, but we also help to build a better Maine. The second was that, when Democrats fight and organize, we win. Serving as Chair has been an incredible honor and responsibility, and has only solidified those beliefs.

"Over the last two years, Maine Democrats led by Governor Janet Mills, Senate President Troy Jackson, and Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross have fought to ensure all Mainers' rights and freedoms are protected, that all Mainers no matter where they live have access to the opportunities they need to succeed, and that everyone in Maine is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Our elected leaders focused on delivering real common-sense solutions for Maine people, and we worked tirelessly throughout the cycle to meet Mainers where they are and connect with them on the issues that matter most to their families and the future of our state. By leading with Democratic values at all levels of government and within the party, we defied strong national headwinds to re-elect both of our Democratic congressional representatives, send Democratic majorities back to the State House and Senate, and win three electoral votes for Kamala Harris & Tim Walz.

"In addition to these electoral victories, I am equally proud of the steps the Maine Democratic Party has taken to grow our Party infrastructure to be stronger and more competitive cycle after cycle, including creating a Local Organizing Director position to recruit and train candidates for office at the municipal and county levels and making major investments in Democratic campaign offices and staff in every county. It has been my privilege and pleasure to meet the incredible and passionate individuals of every background who have given their time and talent to ensure our Democratic values are represented in our elected officials and laws in Maine. No one can win an election on their own, and I am so grateful to every person who saw what was at stake this election and took action, whether this was their first time getting involved or whether they're an experienced staffer or volunteer. In particular, I am thankful to MDP Vice Chair Julian Rogers, and MDP Executive Director Tim Grose for their leadership and commitment, which has been instrumental to our success over the past two years.

"Leading the Maine Democratic Party has been full of the joys and challenges that come from serving a mission and vision much bigger than any one person. While we have laid a solid foundation from which Maine Democrats can build toward even greater success in 2026 and beyond, I have decided to step away from Maine Democratic Party leadership for personal and professional reasons, and will not seek re-election. Our next Chair will have the opportunity to work with an outstanding staff, an energized State Committee, and a dynamic group of county and municipal-level volunteers. They are already mobilizing and organizing, and I am confident our party and state will remain in good hands."

####

The Maine Democratic Party will hold leadership elections on January 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM.Any person enrolled as a Democrat in the State of Maine is eligible to run for roles in state party leadership. For more information on eligibility and voting processes visit: www.mainedems.org/page/2025-leadership-elections.